Lime kiln of the Croix des Bots

Before the appearance of cement, lime was used not only by masons but also by farmers. In fact, lime was used for plasters but also for amending the floors, disinfecting the stables, tanning the skins. In the limestone countryside, lime kilns were built.

In St Laurent-de-la-Prée, several ovens were active at the end of the XIXth century but to date there remains only one: the lime kiln of the Croix des Bots. Despite our research, few historical traces have been found on this particular oven. However we can say with certainty that its construction dates from 1895, thanks to a letter found in the departmental archives. But no plan could be identified. Each oven is different, we will use the knowledge of our current masons to understand the original aspect of the building.

The limestone was positioned along the walls of the oven until it formed a vault in the upper part of the assembly. This guaranteed heat during cooking.

The bundles of wood (vine and thorny) were placed in the mouth, the flames must be able to pass through the layers of stone in a homogeneous manner. Depending on the size of the oven, it was necessary to guarantee 1000 degrees for 48 to 72 hours non-stop. The limestone, thus cooked, loses its carbon dioxide and becomes quicklime (calcium oxide).

The "chaufourniers" therefore recover quicklime out of the oven and hydrate it by immersing it in large quantities of water. The reaction releases a lot of energy and requires great precautions. This explains the presence of a watercourse or canals near most of the ovens. The slaked lime is ready to be shipped.

The volunteer sites, organized in September, allow the building to no longer deteriorate and regain its aspect of yesteryear. The work on the stone walls is done with lime mortar. Soon storytelling visits will be organized so that the public can follow the work and discover an unknown heritage.
Our story is beautiful, let's pass it on!