Inset oasts/kilns with conical roofs and chimneys

The inset kilns described in the previous chapter grew larger and gained small cones or ‘chimneys’ on the ridge of the roof above the kiln. Oasts with projecting conical roofs became widespread in some areas, notably the Weald of Kent and Sussex. This chapter describes them, having first reported on the economic and political developments which stimulated new hop drying capacity. The enthusiasm and political/financial profile of hops and hop drying in the 18th century was typical of the general optimism and technical advances in British agriculture at the time. Beer production increased to supply the fast-growing urban population during