Maritime mystery tour

Landing page image: The Express loading limestone at Lydstep Haven beach (taken from Irish Sea Lime Trade)

Nautilus regularly has to remind the British public that 90% of their goods arrive by sea, but there was a time when the nation's reliance on its merchant fleet was much better understood.

It's this message that runs through Irish Sea Lime Trade, the story of a period in Britain and Ireland's industrial history when it was obvious to all that sea transport was the best way to move cargo.

Author David Johnson starts by explaining the importance of the substance lime – or quicklime – which is produced by 'calcining' limestone in a kiln. Lime was used in mortar for building as long ago as Roman times, and gained popularity as a soil improver for farmers in the medieval period.

In response to increased demand in the 17th century, more quarries and kilns were established in limestone-rich coastal areas, and manufacturers and shippers around the Irish Sea gradually formed a network that made the region well-known for its lime trade.

The trade started to dwindle in the 19th century, so most kilns and docks were abandoned or repurposed, but there is still evidence if you know where to look.
In his attractively-presented book, Johnson takes us on a tour from South Pembrokeshire up to the Solway Firth, and across to the Isle of Man and Ireland. The author uses colour pictures and vivid descriptions to lead us to places where remnants of the Irish Sea lime trade can still be spotted, and tells the stories of the individual locations.

Irish Sea Lime Trade
By David Johnson
Amberley, £15.99
ISBN: 978 13981 22154