Modern steam-powered water pump.


Quarrying at Billown appears to have begun in 1834 at the northern end of the site. At the time of the Ordnance Survey 1:2500 First Edition mapping of 1868, two disused quarry pits and six abandoned lime kilns are shown at the north end of the site.


A further two quarry pits, marked 'Quarries', associated with a further set of three 'Limekilns' are shown just to the south. The more southerly of the two quarries is shown flooded (PRN 2138.), but adjacent to it is a structure marked 'Engine House'. This housed a steam engine used to pump the quarry sufficiently clear of water to allow working to continue.


The steam engine was used until 1892, when it was replaced by a wind-powered pump.