Lime Kiln, Pickworth, Rutland
This lime kiln was built in the late 18th or early 19th century. By lighting fires in these kilns and adding crushed limestone, lime was produced. It was used as fertilizer in the fields and also for whitewashing cottages. John Clare, the poet, reputedly worked as a limeburner here in 1817. From his earnings of 9 shillings a week he saved enough money to buy a book in which to write his poems. But he was dismissed by his employer for wasting time 'scribbling'.
