Building record 6362/1/1 - Probable Late C19th Brick Kiln

{1} Approximately 5m square brick kiln, roofless, single entrance. Known to be working 1877-1885. Evidence of quarrying/spoil in vicinity.

{2} Brickworks were disused by 1901; remains of kiln still standing in July 1982.

{3} The kiln comprises a rectangular brick structure measuring externally approximately 9.60 by 6.0 metres with the walls standing c3.50m high. Internally it measures approximately 7.40 by 3.74 m. The walls are tapered, a common practice with such kilns. The lower walls are estimated to be up to 2.20m thick, though the north wall through which access is gained, measures only 1.12m wide. The inner wall faces are burned red with some spalling of bricks. Whilst firebricks may have been used, none were specifically identified. In common with many such kilns parts of the inner wall faces are bulging inwards, most notably along the southern part of the inner west face and along part of the eastern face. Centrally located in the north wall is a single 1.17m (46”) wide, segmental plain brick arched entrance or wicket, with a low internal step. This provided the means by which the kiln was loaded and unloaded, being temporarily sealed during firing. Single bulinose bricks have been used to provide a rounded outer corner, the only semi- decorative feature present in the entire structure. Low down at the base of the west wall are 6 fireholes or grates set in simple brick arches (1.20m wide by at least 0.75m high), with smaller openings to the interior of the kiln. These fireholes were the location for fires used to heat the kiln and may have been temporarily blocked after firing to maintain the temperature in the kiln. English bond is used in all the wall faces. Bricks are unfrogged; many exhibit slight linear mould impressions. Some fragments of tile and perforated brick fragments had been incorporated within the core of the wall. The floor is of stock trampled earth/mud with brick fragments and other debris. No evidence for a paved floor was observed though this may be buried. The kiln would have been unroofed apart from perhaps a temporary cover when not being fired.

<1> Northamptonshire Industrial Archaeology Group, 2001, A Guide To The Industrial Heritage Of Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Gazetteer). SNN104759.

<2> STARMER G., List of Industrial Sites in Northamptonshire (Various, Including N.R.I.M.), (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN1444.

<3> Cadman G., 2002, Denford Brickworks and Kiln, (unchecked) (Report). SNN107030.

Record last edited

Dec 19 2014 12:46PM