Langcliffe Quarry – A History of the Limeworks Industry
Langcliffe Quarry – A History of the Limeworks Industry is an existing initiative to develop a nationally significant site into a unique destination and improve accessibility.
Langcliffe Quarry, located 1.5miles north of Settle, is rich in heritage and ecology. The site features the remains of historic lime production and limestone quarrying, including a Triple Draw kiln, Spencer kiln, and a rare Hoffmann kiln, one of the largest and best-preserved examples in the UK.
North Yorkshire Council, with funding from the Skipton and Ripon Area Committee and UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has been creating a comprehensive interpretative trail, allowing visitors to explore and learn about the area’s industrial past, and designing plans to improve accessibility
To celebrate the project, North Yorkshire Council is hosting a series of events, including guided walks, art exhibitions, and family-friendly educational activities. These activities are all free, with events suitable for all ages.
By enhancing and promoting Langcliffe Quarry, North Yorkshire Council aims to attract more visitors to the region, supporting the local economy and preserving this important heritage site for future generations. Join us in highlighting the fascinating history of the limeworks industry at Langcliffe Quarry!
Exhibition: Slow Burn
Dates: 5 April – 17 May on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Times: 10am-2pm
Location: Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, BD24 9NU
Langcliffe Quarry, near Settle and in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is a site of national importance. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of lime production in Britain, showcasing how the industry evolved from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Designated as a Scheduled Monument, the quarry is protected to preserve its rich history for future generations.
For centuries, limestone was ‘burnt’ in simple field kilns throughout the Yorkshire Dales, producing lime to sweeten farmland and create mortar for building. However, as demand for lime increased in the 19th century, production methods became more industrialised. The advent of large-scale quarries and the introduction of industrial kilns transformed the industry. There are examples of three kiln types at Langcliffe Quarry: Draw, Hoffmann, and Spencer. The quarry’s location was ideal for lime production due to its abundance of limestone and proximity to the Settle-Carlisle Railway, making it easy to transport materials to and from site.
Local artists have drawn inspiration from the quarry’s unique and derelict landscape, immersing themselves in the site’s rich history and natural surroundings. Their diverse responses through painting, drawing, poetry, and photography capture the haunting beauty of Langcliffe Quarry and its historical significance. This exhibition is a celebration of the site’s industrial heritage and the creative interpretations it inspires.
Talks, Walks and Workshops
Workshop
Workshop: Manifest the Mood – Mood Board-Making
Sat 12 April 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Starting and Finishing at Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9NU.
Join us for an evening of mystical mood board-making with the theme of Manifestation. Let your imagination go into the peace of the evening light as we glue and stick until we have made a mood board unique and personal to us. You don’t need to bring anything along, just an idea that you want to see manifested into reality!
There is a free car park near the exhibition space and workshop location.
Image Credit: Chris Eccleston