Oil Mills West - Dover - Nov 2011

[nelly]

These tunnels in Limekiln Street were most likely dug in the early to mid 19th Century to extract chalk for burning and turning into lime.

Map of the tunnels
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/oilmillswest.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3589.jpg

The limekilns, which gave the street its name, were located nearby. It is probable that the lime and excavated chalk were used in the construction of Dover Harbour.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3592.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3598.jpg

Almost cavernous in places, the extent of these tunnels is impressive and it is not surprising they've had many uses over the years including WW2 shelters and storage.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3595.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3625.jpg

The tunnels are cut directly into the cliff, some are very short and end after a few feet, whereas others go back a few hundred feet and join up, the ceilings are up to 30ft high in places.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3599.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3624.jpg

There is much evidence of alteration over the years, including the addition of blast walls.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3601.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3621.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3615.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3613.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3612.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3602.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n630/nellyurbex2/Oil%20Mills%20West%20-%20Dover/IMG_3610.jpg

[boxerheaven]

thats pretty cool nelly :)

[KingElvis]

That's very nicely done, like it.

[BA]

Wow, there are loads!! Really like this :thumb

[simonix]

Nice one nelly, love your second shot :bgrin

[coops]

Your dover stuff is always mint mate ..Thanks for posting this