The canal was built in 1814 to transport coal and limestone, and two old limekilns still stand on the wharf as testament to the thousands of tons of limestone burnt here annually. The lime, from nearby quarries, was used to supply farmers with fertiliser and for building houses. The limekilns were first used here in 1829 and were fed from the canal barges. They became something of a social place to gather and exchange gossip, with woman drying laundry on the warm stones and boys bringing along potatoes to roast.