Cilyrychen Lime Kilns, Llandybie

R K Penson would gradually develop wider business interests. One such was the burning of lime on an industrial scale. The Cilyrychen lime kilns were designed and built by Penson who leased the quarries from Lord Dynevor in April 1856 and exhibited the design for his initial set of lime-kilns at the Royal Academy in 1858; the painting ('Limekilns in Carmarthenshire') was still in the Quarry company's offices in the 1980s.  The opening of the Llanelly Railway in 1857 encouraged an increase in quarrying and lime burning in the area. The original bank of six kilns in a Moorish style was built between August 1856 and June 1858 at a cost of £3,460 19s 1d, and the first kiln was lit on 18 May 1857. By 1900 there were nine kilns, 50 feet high and still visible from the main Llandybie to Llandeilo road. capable of producing 20 tons of lime per day. After Penson's death the firm was continued by his widow in partnership with F G Southern. The firm continued to expand until competition with the neighbouring firm at Pentregwenlais led to overproduction; in 1906 the firms merged as Lime Firms Ltd. A three-arch group of two large kilns, of plain design in concrete, was later added at the north end of the group bringing the total to ten. The burning of lime at this site ceased in 1973.

R. K. Penson leased the quarries in 1856. Mostly used for lime production distributed by rail and collected from stations by farmers. Limestone occasionally used for building purposes. After Penson's death the firm was continued by his widow in partnership with F G Southern. The firm continued to expand until competition with the neighbouring firm at Pentregwenlais led to overproduction.

Penson also designed and built a bank of lime kilns. Exhibited at RA in 1858.

Reference           Bow Carmarthen page 266