Monument record 9046/1 - Stoke Bruerne Brickworks

The brickworks was certainly in operation by the mid-19th century, but may have originated in the late 18th century to provide bricks for the construction of the Blisworth Tunnel. The brickworks continued in operation until after the Second World War, but the site is now a nature reserve.

{1} Former 19th and early 20th century brickworks now used as nature reserve. Identified as brick field on 1st edition OS map. NIAG have previously visited and recovered a small tramway tub wagon.

{2} The Wildlife Trust's management plan suggests that the brickworks was originally opened in 1792 and that it produced bricks for the building of the Blisworth Tunnel.

{3} Opened prior to 1849 by George Savage (licensee of the Navigation Inn). By 1883 there were extensive works here with a canal basin within the works, and four downdraught kilns around it. Working of the clay was going on at a pit on the north of the site and at a face on the southern and western sides.
After World War II there was a shortage of bricks, and Chowns (Builders) of Northampton took over the site. Henry Bath managed the site from 1946 and built two new updraught kilns and the building still standing. Clay was worked up in the south west of the site and hand hauled in wooden side tipping waggons, running on 'Jubilee' track up to the clay receiving shed. The wagons were cable hauled to the top of this and then tipped into a hopper above the pug-mill below. This fed directly into an extrusion die. There was a drying shed, possibly heated, since there is a brick chimney in the centre of it.

<1> Cadman G., 2002, SMR Report Form, (unchecked) (SMR Report Form). SNN102086.

<2> Cadman G., 2003, Stoke Bruerne Nature Reserve and Brickworks, p.2 (checked) (Report). SNN103168.

<3> O'Rourke R., 1970, Some Northamptonshire Brickworks, (unchecked) (Article). SNN103347.

<4> Cadman, G., 2003, Stoke Bruerne Brickworks: Tipping Wagon, (unchecked) (SMR Report Form). SNN103309.

Record last edited

Jun 17 2024 10:55AM