Monument record 1160/498 - Vigo Brickworks

The brickworks was in operation between 1827 and 1914.

{1} The Vigo brickworks was in existence at least by 1830 when it was worked by William Barrett. By 1841 Thomas Billingham was working here and also did lime burning on the site. Laws map of 1847 shows two extraordinary L-shaped kilns, at the southern end of the works. At the northern end there appears to be an early circular downdraught kiln but it is not marked as such. By 1881 a large rectangular continuous kiln has been installed though it is of slightly unorthodox dimensions being nearly as wide as it is long and with large sections missing at the corners, giving an almost circular effect. In 1885 one circular downdraught has joined the continuous kiln and by 1901 there are three of this type clustered around the continuous. Also by 1877 the works has been constituted under the title of the Vigo Brick and Tile Co., with William Gibson as manager, but a further change in title to the Vigo Brick, Tile, Land Investment and Advance Co. Ltd. comes by 1894. The works closed shortly after 1910 and the site became a tannery.

{2} The known operating date for this brickworks is 1827-1914.

<1> O'Rourke R., 1970, Some Northamptonshire Brickworks, p. 20 (Article). SNN103347.

<2> Northamptonshire HER, Unknown, Oral information, correspondence (not archived) or staff comments, Email from Nigel Furniss 20/10/2025 (Oral Report). SNN115011.

Record last edited

Oct 20 2025 12:08PM