Brickmaking in Sprowston - Revision history

Bev: /* Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle */

2016-08-18T17:58:34Z

Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 18 August 2016
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	===Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===		===Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===
	When I was about 8 years old in the early 1920`s, my greatest adventure during the long summer holiday, was to take “fourses” up to the brickfield on Sprowston Road, to my friend’s grandfather, Mr Morris, who worked there as a brick maker. It always seemed to be hot in August in those days, and we felt very excited at the thought of going somewhere even hotter! We would collect the basket of short cakes, and bottles of tea from the house, and go up a narrow ~~land~~ leading from [[Sprowston Road]], through a wide wooden gate, and onto the brickyard.		When I was about 8 years old in the early 1920`s, my greatest adventure during the long summer holiday, was to take “fourses” up to the brickfield on Sprowston Road, to my friend’s grandfather, Mr Morris, who worked there as a brick maker. It always seemed to be hot in August in those days, and we felt very excited at the thought of going somewhere even hotter! We would collect the basket of short cakes, and bottles of tea from the house, and go up a narrow lane leading from [[Sprowston Road]], through a wide wooden gate, and onto the brickyard.
	The men working there were barefooted, and wore long aprons of either sacking or leather. I can remember seeing an old horse working there too, but can't recall exactly what it did, perhaps it worked the treadmill water pump, because there was always a lot of water about even in high summer. Our greatest joy however was to play round the great kiln, with its tall chimney. This was circular and continuous in action. It was fired from either end, I believe, and we would peer in to see which kiln was firing. Some would be empty and cold, ready for stacking, the next would be cooling, then would come the hot ones that were being fired, they were sealed up with clay, and the heat coming from these was really intense.		The men working there were barefooted, and wore long aprons of either sacking or leather. I can remember seeing an old horse working there too, but can't recall exactly what it did, perhaps it worked the treadmill water pump, because there was always a lot of water about even in high summer. Our greatest joy however was to play round the great kiln, with its tall chimney. This was circular and continuous in action. It was fired from either end, I believe, and we would peer in to see which kiln was firing. Some would be empty and cold, ready for stacking, the next would be cooling, then would come the hot ones that were being fired, they were sealed up with clay, and the heat coming from these was really intense.
	We used to dare one another to see how close we dare approach them, then we would run races round the whole kiln until we were told in no uncertain terms to clear off, so that the men could get on with their work. I cannot remember seeing many fired bricks standing about so I would imagine that these were taken away on flat horse drawn carts to builder’s yards, or straight onto the building site.		We used to dare one another to see how close we dare approach them, then we would run races round the whole kiln until we were told in no uncertain terms to clear off, so that the men could get on with their work. I cannot remember seeing many fired bricks standing about so I would imagine that these were taken away on flat horse drawn carts to builder’s yards, or straight onto the building site.

Bev: /* Albert Ward’s memories */ Add Links

2016-08-16T20:54:47Z

Albert Ward’s memories: Add Links

Bev: /* Memories of Mrs G Clarke. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle */ add link

2016-08-16T20:46:57Z

Memories of Mrs G Clarke. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle: add link

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 16 August 2016
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	===Memories of Mrs G Clarke. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===		===Memories of Mrs G Clarke. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===
	From memory I can recall the work going on at the brickyard behind the old school (Neville Road). Work was started early in the morning. Many men did not bother to wear boots but walked in bare feet to their work, the corduroy trousers were either rolled up over their knees or tied with string. Usually they carried frail baskets which contained their dinner and also a bottle of warm tea, if not a bottle a billycan of tea. Some men (Jammed) treaded the clay mixture with their feet and then it was barrowed to the round shallow pits where other men worked at moulding the clay into bricks. The moulds were made of wood – a lump of clay was lifted on to two metal plates, held, one in each hand, working the clay about a bit and then put in the mould – a flat piece of wood was smoothed over the top of the mould and they were turned out and stood on trays all around the pit. In the process very few were broken – the men having the knack of turning them out.		From memory I can recall the work going on at the brickyard behind the old school ([[Neville Road]]). Work was started early in the morning. Many men did not bother to wear boots but walked in bare feet to their work, the corduroy trousers were either rolled up over their knees or tied with string. Usually they carried frail baskets which contained their dinner and also a bottle of warm tea, if not a bottle a billycan of tea. Some men (Jammed) treaded the clay mixture with their feet and then it was barrowed to the round shallow pits where other men worked at moulding the clay into bricks. The moulds were made of wood – a lump of clay was lifted on to two metal plates, held, one in each hand, working the clay about a bit and then put in the mould – a flat piece of wood was smoothed over the top of the mould and they were turned out and stood on trays all around the pit. In the process very few were broken – the men having the knack of turning them out.
	They were then loaded on barrows and taken to the outside of the kiln where they were left to partially dry. When sufficient bricks were ready the kiln was prepared. A large quantity of straw was placed inside the kiln near the centre. Bricks were then stacked row upon row, working from the farthest edge leaving gangways, which were also tightly strewn with straw as was also each row of bricks. This straw was then ignited, all the entrances sealed, and the bricks were then left for about three weeks to make sure that they had been burnt properly and were fit for use.		They were then loaded on barrows and taken to the outside of the kiln where they were left to partially dry. When sufficient bricks were ready the kiln was prepared. A large quantity of straw was placed inside the kiln near the centre. Bricks were then stacked row upon row, working from the farthest edge leaving gangways, which were also tightly strewn with straw as was also each row of bricks. This straw was then ignited, all the entrances sealed, and the bricks were then left for about three weeks to make sure that they had been burnt properly and were fit for use.
	One of the workers was my next door neighbour and on most afternoons, after school, I used to take him his “fourses”- a bottle of warm tea and often some cakes which my neighbour’s wife made from dough with sugar and currants added and fried in fat. I thought they were lovely as I usually had one given me. For their dinner they would take their frail baskets to the “Pub” nearby and eat it the dinner with a mug of beer. I do not think the wages were big – if the weather was kind they could make more bricks as I think they were paid on a quantity basis.		One of the workers was my next door neighbour and on most afternoons, after school, I used to take him his “fourses”- a bottle of warm tea and often some cakes which my neighbour’s wife made from dough with sugar and currants added and fried in fat. I thought they were lovely as I usually had one given me. For their dinner they would take their frail baskets to the “Pub” nearby and eat it the dinner with a mug of beer. I do not think the wages were big – if the weather was kind they could make more bricks as I think they were paid on a quantity basis.

	===Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===		===Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===
	When I was about 8 years old in the early 1920`s, my greatest adventure during the long summer holiday, was to take “fourses” up to the brickfield on Sprowston Road, to my friend’s grandfather, Mr Morris, who worked there as a brick maker. It always seemed to be hot in August in those days, and we felt very excited at the thought of going somewhere even hotter! We would collect the basket of short cakes, and bottles of tea from the house, and go up a narrow land leading from [[Sprowston Road]], through a wide wooden gate, and onto the brickyard.		When I was about 8 years old in the early 1920`s, my greatest adventure during the long summer holiday, was to take “fourses” up to the brickfield on Sprowston Road, to my friend’s grandfather, Mr Morris, who worked there as a brick maker. It always seemed to be hot in August in those days, and we felt very excited at the thought of going somewhere even hotter! We would collect the basket of short cakes, and bottles of tea from the house, and go up a narrow land leading from [[Sprowston Road]], through a wide wooden gate, and onto the brickyard.

Bev: /* Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle */ add links

2016-08-16T20:45:06Z

Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle: add links

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 16 August 2016
Line 149:		Line 149:
	One of the workers was my next door neighbour and on most afternoons, after school, I used to take him his “fourses”- a bottle of warm tea and often some cakes which my neighbour’s wife made from dough with sugar and currants added and fried in fat. I thought they were lovely as I usually had one given me. For their dinner they would take their frail baskets to the “Pub” nearby and eat it the dinner with a mug of beer. I do not think the wages were big – if the weather was kind they could make more bricks as I think they were paid on a quantity basis.		One of the workers was my next door neighbour and on most afternoons, after school, I used to take him his “fourses”- a bottle of warm tea and often some cakes which my neighbour’s wife made from dough with sugar and currants added and fried in fat. I thought they were lovely as I usually had one given me. For their dinner they would take their frail baskets to the “Pub” nearby and eat it the dinner with a mug of beer. I do not think the wages were big – if the weather was kind they could make more bricks as I think they were paid on a quantity basis.
	===Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===		===Memories of Mrs G Kent. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===
	When I was about 8 years old in the early 1920`s, my greatest adventure during the long summer holiday, was to take “fourses” up to the brickfield on Sprowston Road, to my friend’s grandfather, Mr Morris, who worked there as a brick maker. It always seemed to be hot in August in those days, and we felt very excited at the thought of going somewhere even hotter! We would collect the basket of short cakes, and bottles of tea from the house, and go up a narrow land leading from Sprowston Road, through a wide wooden gate, and onto the brickyard.		When I was about 8 years old in the early 1920`s, my greatest adventure during the long summer holiday, was to take “fourses” up to the brickfield on Sprowston Road, to my friend’s grandfather, Mr Morris, who worked there as a brick maker. It always seemed to be hot in August in those days, and we felt very excited at the thought of going somewhere even hotter! We would collect the basket of short cakes, and bottles of tea from the house, and go up a narrow land leading from [[Sprowston Road]], through a wide wooden gate, and onto the brickyard.
	The men working there were barefooted, and wore long aprons of either sacking or leather. I can remember seeing an old horse working there too, but can't recall exactly what it did, perhaps it worked the treadmill water pump, because there was always a lot of water about even in high summer. Our greatest joy however was to play round the great kiln, with its tall chimney. This was circular and continuous in action. It was fired from either end, I believe, and we would peer in to see which kiln was firing. Some would be empty and cold, ready for stacking, the next would be cooling, then would come the hot ones that were being fired, they were sealed up with clay, and the heat coming from these was really intense.		The men working there were barefooted, and wore long aprons of either sacking or leather. I can remember seeing an old horse working there too, but can't recall exactly what it did, perhaps it worked the treadmill water pump, because there was always a lot of water about even in high summer. Our greatest joy however was to play round the great kiln, with its tall chimney. This was circular and continuous in action. It was fired from either end, I believe, and we would peer in to see which kiln was firing. Some would be empty and cold, ready for stacking, the next would be cooling, then would come the hot ones that were being fired, they were sealed up with clay, and the heat coming from these was really intense.
	We used to dare one another to see how close we dare approach them, then we would run races round the whole kiln until we were told in no uncertain terms to clear off, so that the men could get on with their work. I cannot remember seeing many fired bricks standing about so I would imagine that these were taken away on flat horse drawn carts to builder’s yards, or straight onto the building site.		We used to dare one another to see how close we dare approach them, then we would run races round the whole kiln until we were told in no uncertain terms to clear off, so that the men could get on with their work. I cannot remember seeing many fired bricks standing about so I would imagine that these were taken away on flat horse drawn carts to builder’s yards, or straight onto the building site.
	Not long after this, things got very slack and the men only worked a few days a week, we used to look at the chimney each day to see if it was smoking. If it was only sending out wisps of smoke it was no use going up there, but whenever we saw black smoke billowing out we knew that they would be firing and then granddad would want his tea! This brickyard was owned by Mr Lincoln, and later by Lacey & Lincoln. The two brickyards in School Lane were owned by Mr Tusting. One of these latter yards continued working long after the others closed down.		Not long after this, things got very slack and the men only worked a few days a week, we used to look at the chimney each day to see if it was smoking. If it was only sending out wisps of smoke it was no use going up there, but whenever we saw black smoke billowing out we knew that they would be firing and then granddad would want his tea! This brickyard was owned by Mr Lincoln, and later by Lacey & Lincoln. The two brickyards in [[School Lane]] were owned by Mr Tusting. One of these latter yards continued working long after the others closed down.

	===Memories of Miss C L Mann. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===		===Memories of Miss C L Mann. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===
	We also had a lot of brickfields in [[School Lane]], one having the Kiln for roasting the bricks, its tall chimney being quite a landmark. The chimney was blasted and the kiln and the brickfields removed and abandoned many years ago, so we saw no more of the Brickmakers as they went home after work, though I’ll always remember them with their bare feet and legs covered in sand, as were their rolled up trouser legs, tied up with string just below their knees!		We also had a lot of brickfields in [[School Lane]], one having the Kiln for roasting the bricks, its tall chimney being quite a landmark. The chimney was blasted and the kiln and the brickfields removed and abandoned many years ago, so we saw no more of the Brickmakers as they went home after work, though I’ll always remember them with their bare feet and legs covered in sand, as were their rolled up trouser legs, tied up with string just below their knees!
	[[Category:Industry]]		[[Category:Industry]]

Bev: /* Memories of Miss C L Mann. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle */ add link

2016-08-16T20:43:28Z

Memories of Miss C L Mann. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle: add link

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:43, 16 August 2016
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	Not long after this, things got very slack and the men only worked a few days a week, we used to look at the chimney each day to see if it was smoking. If it was only sending out wisps of smoke it was no use going up there, but whenever we saw black smoke billowing out we knew that they would be firing and then granddad would want his tea! This brickyard was owned by Mr Lincoln, and later by Lacey & Lincoln. The two brickyards in School Lane were owned by Mr Tusting. One of these latter yards continued working long after the others closed down.		Not long after this, things got very slack and the men only worked a few days a week, we used to look at the chimney each day to see if it was smoking. If it was only sending out wisps of smoke it was no use going up there, but whenever we saw black smoke billowing out we knew that they would be firing and then granddad would want his tea! This brickyard was owned by Mr Lincoln, and later by Lacey & Lincoln. The two brickyards in School Lane were owned by Mr Tusting. One of these latter yards continued working long after the others closed down.
	===Memories of Miss C L Mann. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===		===Memories of Miss C L Mann. Recorded by Eunice M Sandle===
	We also had a lot of brickfields in School Lane, one having the Kiln for roasting the bricks, its tall chimney being quite a landmark. The chimney was blasted and the kiln and the brickfields removed and abandoned many years ago, so we saw no more of the Brickmakers as they went home after work, though I’ll always remember them with their bare feet and legs covered in sand, as were their rolled up trouser legs, tied up with string just below their knees!		We also had a lot of brickfields in [[School Lane]], one having the Kiln for roasting the bricks, its tall chimney being quite a landmark. The chimney was blasted and the kiln and the brickfields removed and abandoned many years ago, so we saw no more of the Brickmakers as they went home after work, though I’ll always remember them with their bare feet and legs covered in sand, as were their rolled up trouser legs, tied up with string just below their knees!
	[[Category:Industry]]		[[Category:Industry]]

Bev: /* A brief introduction to the industry. */

2016-08-16T20:31:51Z

A brief introduction to the industry.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 16 August 2016
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	== Brickmaking in Sprowston ==		== Brickmaking in Sprowston ==
	===A brief introduction to the industry.===		===A brief introduction to the industry.===
	Brick making in Sprowston stopped in the 1950`s, bringing to an end an industry that started at least two Centuries ago, some of the buildings in the City of Norwich, Norfolk and quite a few in Sprowston, were built using handmade bricks known as “Norfolk Reds”, some of the buildings dating back to the 18th Century still survive. Many of these buildings used flint as well as brick in their construction, the terrace of cottages, opposite [[St. Cuthberts Church]], [[Wroxham Road]], were built from bricks made in Sprowston.		Brick making in Sprowston stopped in the 1950`s, bringing to an end an industry that started at least two Centuries ago, some of the buildings in the City of Norwich, Norfolk and quite a few in Sprowston, were built using handmade bricks known as “Norfolk Reds”, some of the buildings dating back to the 18th Century still survive. Many of these buildings used flint as well as brick in their construction, the terrace of cottages, opposite [[St. Cuthberts\|St. Cuthberts Church]], [[Wroxham Road]], were built from bricks made in Sprowston.
	Well over 100 years ago there were many Brickmakers and Brickworks operating in Sprowston, the name given to the best bricks, Norfolk Reds, a good looking brick (Red) and frost hardy. These were much in demand and can still be bought today, but not made in Sprowston unfortunately. The brickyards were labour intensive businesses in the 19th century employing people of all ages, men, women and boys from the age of six many working in their bare feet. Towards the end of the 19th Century there were nine Brickworks and a total of 11 kilns or clamps in Sprowston.		Well over 100 years ago there were many Brickmakers and Brickworks operating in Sprowston, the name given to the best bricks, Norfolk Reds, a good looking brick (Red) and frost hardy. These were much in demand and can still be bought today, but not made in Sprowston unfortunately. The brickyards were labour intensive businesses in the 19th century employing people of all ages, men, women and boys from the age of six many working in their bare feet. Towards the end of the 19th Century there were nine Brickworks and a total of 11 kilns or clamps in Sprowston.
	The early part of the 20th Century saw the closure of many Brickworks, the last one closing in 1955, on [[Sprowston Road]]. These yards gave way to new dwellings, many residents are unaware their property has been built where the ground is suitable on land that was once a Brickyard. Some of the brick earth quarries were infilled so were unsuitable for housing development. The Five Aside pitch and commercial development on [[School Lane]] mark where a large pit was infilled although this practice ceased in the 1960s.		The early part of the 20th Century saw the closure of many Brickworks, the last one closing in 1955, on [[Sprowston Road]]. These yards gave way to new dwellings, many residents are unaware their property has been built where the ground is suitable on land that was once a Brickyard. Some of the brick earth quarries were infilled so were unsuitable for housing development. The Five Aside pitch and commercial development on [[School Lane]] mark where a large pit was infilled although this practice ceased in the 1960s.

Bev: /* A brief introduction to the industry. */ Add links

2016-08-16T20:30:12Z

A brief introduction to the industry.: Add links

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 16 August 2016
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	== Brickmaking in Sprowston ==		== Brickmaking in Sprowston ==
	===A brief introduction to the industry.===		===A brief introduction to the industry.===
	Brick making in Sprowston stopped in the 1950`s, bringing to an end an industry that started at least two Centuries ago, some of the buildings in the City of Norwich, Norfolk and quite a few in Sprowston, were built using handmade bricks known as “Norfolk Reds”, some of the buildings dating back to the 18th Century still survive. Many of these buildings used flint as well as brick in their construction, the terrace of cottages, opposite St. Cuthberts Church, Wroxham Road, were built from bricks made in Sprowston.		Brick making in Sprowston stopped in the 1950`s, bringing to an end an industry that started at least two Centuries ago, some of the buildings in the City of Norwich, Norfolk and quite a few in Sprowston, were built using handmade bricks known as “Norfolk Reds”, some of the buildings dating back to the 18th Century still survive. Many of these buildings used flint as well as brick in their construction, the terrace of cottages, opposite [[St. Cuthberts Church]], [[Wroxham Road]], were built from bricks made in Sprowston.
	Well over 100 years ago there were many Brickmakers and Brickworks operating in Sprowston, the name given to the best bricks, Norfolk Reds, a good looking brick (Red) and frost hardy. These were much in demand and can still be bought today, but not made in Sprowston unfortunately. The brickyards were labour intensive businesses in the 19th century employing people of all ages, men, women and boys from the age of six many working in their bare feet. Towards the end of the 19th Century there were nine Brickworks and a total of 11 kilns or clamps in Sprowston.		Well over 100 years ago there were many Brickmakers and Brickworks operating in Sprowston, the name given to the best bricks, Norfolk Reds, a good looking brick (Red) and frost hardy. These were much in demand and can still be bought today, but not made in Sprowston unfortunately. The brickyards were labour intensive businesses in the 19th century employing people of all ages, men, women and boys from the age of six many working in their bare feet. Towards the end of the 19th Century there were nine Brickworks and a total of 11 kilns or clamps in Sprowston.
	The early part of the 20th Century saw the closure of many Brickworks, the last one closing in 1955, on Sprowston Road. These yards gave way to new dwellings, many residents are unaware their property has been built where the ground is suitable on land that was once a Brickyard. Some of the brick earth quarries were infilled so were unsuitable for housing development. The Five Aside pitch and commercial development on School Lane mark where a large pit was infilled although this practice ceased in the 1960s.		The early part of the 20th Century saw the closure of many Brickworks, the last one closing in 1955, on [[Sprowston Road]]. These yards gave way to new dwellings, many residents are unaware their property has been built where the ground is suitable on land that was once a Brickyard. Some of the brick earth quarries were infilled so were unsuitable for housing development. The Five Aside pitch and commercial development on [[School Lane]] mark where a large pit was infilled although this practice ceased in the 1960s.

	===List of Sprowston Brickmakers===		===List of Sprowston Brickmakers===
	ALLEN.		ALLEN.

Bev: /* List of Sprowston Brickmakers */ Convert to vertical list

2016-08-16T20:25:23Z

List of Sprowston Brickmakers: Convert to vertical list

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 16 August 2016
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	===List of Sprowston Brickmakers===		===List of Sprowston Brickmakers===
	ALLEN.		ALLEN.

	BACON and GRAVERS, One Kiln.		BACON and GRAVERS, One Kiln.

	BETTS.		BETTS.

	BLAKE. ROBERT, One Kiln.		BLAKE. ROBERT, One Kiln.

	BURROWS. THOMAS, Two Kilns.		BURROWS. THOMAS, Two Kilns.

	CUNNELL. CHARLES, Two Kilns.		CUNNELL. CHARLES, Two Kilns.

	HENRY.		HENRY.

	JARMY. THOMAS, One Kiln.		JARMY. THOMAS, One Kiln.

	KING.		KING.

	LACEY & LINCOLN.		LACEY & LINCOLN.

	MASON. JOHN, One Kiln.		MASON. JOHN, One Kiln.

	NEWMAN. MATTHEW, One Kiln.		NEWMAN. MATTHEW, One Kiln.

	RICHARDS. GEORGE		RICHARDS. GEORGE

	RUYMP. ROBERT		RUYMP. ROBERT

	STONE. MARK		STONE. MARK

	TUSTING.		TUSTING.

	WOODS. WILLIAM		WOODS. WILLIAM

	WRENCH. GEORGE, One Kiln.		WRENCH. GEORGE, One Kiln.

	Lime Burner. WILLIAM EDWARDS. Lime Kiln.		Lime Burner. WILLIAM EDWARDS. Lime Kiln.

Bev: /* Clay or Brick earth */

2016-08-16T11:01:28Z

Clay or Brick earth

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:01, 16 August 2016
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	===Obtaining the materials.===		===Obtaining the materials.===
	===Clay or Brick earth===		===Clay or Brick earth===
	Most areas in Norfolk are able to provide the clay locally known as “brick earth” from which it is possible to make bricks. Almost exclusively these brick earths produced bricks of a red colour although there were one or two deposits producing a far lighter coloured brick. Sprowston certainly was blessed with a considerable quantity of the brick earth suitable for the production of the red bricks which throughout Norfolk were given the name of Norfolk reds. In the early days of brickmaking the deposits nearest the surface were exploited what the ever growing need for bricks as Norwich expanded required the removal of an ever increasing overburden to access the clay. From photographic evidence there appears to have been little mechanisation in this process although early maps show that small narrow gauge railway lines and hand propelled skips ~~will use~~ to transport the clay. The clay would be left spread on flat ground to weather, this used the rain wind and frost to make the clay more friable. This process could take several months and with frosts being a factor clay extraction would be seasonal.		Most areas in Norfolk are able to provide the clay locally known as “brick earth” from which it is possible to make bricks. Almost exclusively these brick earths produced bricks of a red colour although there were one or two deposits producing a far lighter coloured brick. Sprowston certainly was blessed with a considerable quantity of the brick earth suitable for the production of the red bricks which throughout Norfolk were given the name of Norfolk reds. In the early days of brickmaking the deposits nearest the surface were exploited what the ever growing need for bricks as Norwich expanded required the removal of an ever increasing overburden to access the clay. From photographic evidence there appears to have been little mechanisation in this process although early maps show that small narrow gauge railway lines and hand propelled skips were used to transport the clay. The clay would be left spread on flat ground to weather, this used the rain wind and frost to make the clay more friable. This process could take several months and with frosts being a factor clay extraction would be seasonal.

	This left only three other requirements to make bricks, water, sand and fuel with which to fire the kilns. In the earliest days this would probably have been wood but would no doubt have changed to coal as a fuel with the advent of the coastal coal trade. Even this supply via Great Yarmouth and then by river to Norwich would be superseded in the first half of the 19th century by railway transport.		This left only three other requirements to make bricks, water, sand and fuel with which to fire the kilns. In the earliest days this would probably have been wood but would no doubt have changed to coal as a fuel with the advent of the coastal coal trade. Even this supply via Great Yarmouth and then by river to Norwich would be superseded in the first half of the 19th century by railway transport.

Bev: /* Clay or Brick earth */

2016-08-16T11:00:33Z

Clay or Brick earth

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 16 August 2016
Line 36:		Line 36:
	===Obtaining the materials.===		===Obtaining the materials.===
	===Clay or Brick earth===		===Clay or Brick earth===
	Most areas in Norfolk are able to provide the clay locally known as “brick earth” from which it is possible to make bricks. Almost exclusively these brick earths produced bricks of a red colour although there were one or two deposits producing a far lighter coloured brick. Sprowston certainly was blessed with a considerable quantity of the brick earth suitable for the production of the red bricks which throughout Norfolk were given the name of Norfolk reds. In the early days of brickmaking the deposits nearest the surface were exploited what the ever growing need for bricks as Norwich expanded required the removal of an ever increasing overburden to access the clay. From photographic evidence there appears to have been little mechanisation in this process although early maps show that small ~~and~~ narrow gauge railway lines and hand propelled skips will use to transport the clay. The clay would be left spread on flat ground to weather, this used the rain wind and frost to make the clay more friable. This process could take several months and with frosts being a factor clay extraction would be seasonal.		Most areas in Norfolk are able to provide the clay locally known as “brick earth” from which it is possible to make bricks. Almost exclusively these brick earths produced bricks of a red colour although there were one or two deposits producing a far lighter coloured brick. Sprowston certainly was blessed with a considerable quantity of the brick earth suitable for the production of the red bricks which throughout Norfolk were given the name of Norfolk reds. In the early days of brickmaking the deposits nearest the surface were exploited what the ever growing need for bricks as Norwich expanded required the removal of an ever increasing overburden to access the clay. From photographic evidence there appears to have been little mechanisation in this process although early maps show that small narrow gauge railway lines and hand propelled skips will use to transport the clay. The clay would be left spread on flat ground to weather, this used the rain wind and frost to make the clay more friable. This process could take several months and with frosts being a factor clay extraction would be seasonal.

	This left only three other requirements to make bricks, water, sand and fuel with which to fire the kilns. In the earliest days this would probably have been wood but would no doubt have changed to coal as a fuel with the advent of the coastal coal trade. Even this supply via Great Yarmouth and then by river to Norwich would be superseded in the first half of the 19th century by railway transport.		This left only three other requirements to make bricks, water, sand and fuel with which to fire the kilns. In the earliest days this would probably have been wood but would no doubt have changed to coal as a fuel with the advent of the coastal coal trade. Even this supply via Great Yarmouth and then by river to Norwich would be superseded in the first half of the 19th century by railway transport.

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	The final extracts are from, Mr Jack Tusting, Mrs G Clarke, Mrs G Kent and Miss C L Mann. Which appeared in “Brickworks and Brickmakers of Sprowston” an article written by Eunice M Sandle, then President of the Sprowston Women`s Institute.		The final extracts are from, Mr Jack Tusting, Mrs G Clarke, Mrs G Kent and Miss C L Mann. Which appeared in “Brickworks and Brickmakers of Sprowston” an article written by Eunice M Sandle, then President of the Sprowston Women`s Institute.
	===Albert Ward’s memories===		===Albert Ward’s memories===
	Starting at the top of Allens Lane, near North Walsham Road, the first excavation is Dovedales on the right as you go down Allens Lane, you now look on the roofs of houses, which was where the earlier brickyard was. Then down School Lane, where Tusting Close and the Scout Hut is, that is part of the excavations, at the top end, Neville Road. The hole was 80ft deep, and it was filled up with all the bomb debris from the 2nd World War. Hundreds of lorry loads went into there to fill it up, this is pre 1930`s. and this is also where the deepest well in Norfolk was. You could drop stones down the well and it took ages for them to reach the bottom.		Starting at the top of [[Allens Lane]], near [[North Walsham Road]], the first excavation is Dovedales on the right as you go down [[Allens Lane]], you now look on the roofs of houses, which was where the earlier brickyard was. Then down School Lane, where Tusting Close and the Scout Hut is, that is part of the excavations, at the top end, [[Neville Road]]. The hole was 80ft deep, and it was filled up with all the bomb debris from the 2nd World War. Hundreds of lorry loads went into there to fill it up, this is pre 1930`s. and this is also where the deepest well in Norfolk was. You could drop stones down the well and it took ages for them to reach the bottom.
	On the other side of Neville Road you will see a small excavation, you will see back gardens which are very long, they in fact back up to the hole which is not very far from Wroxham Road, and there are remains of one of the earliest excavations that is still there, it is slowly being filled. In Lusher`s yard there was one chimney, and it was demolished just before the start of the 2nd WW. Coming down before School Lane you see a large area, which was worked out mid 1930`s, Norwich Sack & Bag Company took the whole site over and built a large factory, which processed sacks and they used to hang out on wire or linen lines, out the back.		On the other side of [[Neville Road]] you will see a small excavation, you will see back gardens which are very long, they in fact back up to the hole which is not very far from [[Wroxham Road]], and there are remains of one of the earliest excavations that is still there, it is slowly being filled. In Lusher`s yard there was one chimney, and it was demolished just before the start of the 2nd WW. Coming down before School Lane you see a large area, which was worked out mid 1930`s, [[Sack and Bag Companies in Sprowston\|Norwich Sack & Bag Company]] took the whole site over and built a large factory, which processed sacks and they used to hang out on wire or linen lines, out the back.
	The next big area was the Priory Football Ground, that was a very big area, which had one and possibly two chimneys, and this was worked till the 1930`s, they then put down a grass pitch, which was then mostly waste ground. One feature was the tower like mounds, like islands, which was left by the brickworks, this was because the mounds had no brick earth, and some of these mounds were 15 to 20ft high. It was a marvellous place to play cowboys and Indians as a boy. Just at the corner there was a small road and a Slaughter House, there was another Slaughter House (Chapman's) just into Neville Road, the house where the owners lived is still there. Every day you would hear the pigs being slaughtered.		The next big area was the Priory Football Ground, that was a very big area, which had one and possibly two chimneys, and this was worked till the 1930`s, they then put down a grass pitch, which was then mostly waste ground. One feature was the tower like mounds, like islands, which was left by the brickworks, this was because the mounds had no brick earth, and some of these mounds were 15 to 20ft high. It was a marvellous place to play cowboys and Indians as a boy. Just at the corner there was a small road and a Slaughter House, there was another Slaughter House (Chapman's) just into [[Neville Road]], the house where the owners lived is still there. Every day you would hear the pigs being slaughtered.
	Coming down the road there is another area which is where Shipfields is, there was a huge brickyard, which was turned into allotments and is now developed with housing, there was one chimney which was demolished in the 1930`s.		Coming down the road there is another area which is where [[Shipfields]] is, there was a huge brickyard, which was turned into allotments and is now developed with housing, there was one chimney which was demolished in the 1930`s.
	Crossing Sprowston Road the area marked as the Greyhound Stadium, it is now Templemere, used to belong to the Pine family, and it was built just before the 2nd World War. That was the first of that area to be used up, the other three areas where the Maclarens Handbag Factory (now Startrite Ltd) is, were worked up to the 1950`s. The last chimney to come down at Lacey & Lincoln was in 1957/8, and that was the one area with a deep seam of brick earth, and I don`t think they finished working all that area.		Crossing [[Sprowston Road]] the area marked as the Greyhound Stadium, it is now Templemere, used to belong to the Pine family, and it was built just before the 2nd World War. That was the first of that area to be used up, the other three areas where the Maclarens Handbag Factory (now Startrite Ltd) is, were worked up to the 1950`s. The last chimney to come down at Lacey & Lincoln was in 1957/8, and that was the one area with a deep seam of brick earth, and I don`t think they finished working all that area.

	After the 1st World War the Peterborough Brickworks started, it was very mechanised, and this caused the eventual demise of brickmaking in Sprowston. Lacey & Lincoln made tiles and bricks; they had one or two depots, where you could buy in there. These brickyards, when they first started, they had the brick earth, which made the “Norfolk Reds”, it was a special type of brick earth. Lacey & Lincoln produced what were called Flettons, but that was one of many products that they sold, other brickyards produced the “Norfolk Reds”. A Horse and cart, no rivers in Sprowston, delivered all these bricks, either direct to the customer or to the railway station at Thorpe.		After the 1st World War the Peterborough Brickworks started, it was very mechanised, and this caused the eventual demise of brickmaking in Sprowston. Lacey & Lincoln made tiles and bricks; they had one or two depots, where you could buy in there. These brickyards, when they first started, they had the brick earth, which made the “Norfolk Reds”, it was a special type of brick earth. Lacey & Lincoln produced what were called Flettons, but that was one of many products that they sold, other brickyards produced the “Norfolk Reds”. A Horse and cart, no rivers in Sprowston, delivered all these bricks, either direct to the customer or to the railway station at Thorpe.
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	They had no specialist temperature gauges in those days; they just knew by experience how long it would take. The bricks at the bottom were obviously over baked and they were called “Flint Bottom” bricks and you can see some occasionally which were used, because some of the firing used to come through and stick to the bottom of these bricks and fuse with the brick. These bricks were inferior, but people bought them, it was always the bottom layer that received the most heat. The heat worked its way through the stacks of bricks, and I suspect, though I never saw it, they had a special way of stacking these all in, so that the hot air could work through them, I do not think that they were packed in solid. There the bricks laid and remained until they were cold enough, which of course took some time, these bricks were removed and the kiln was readied for the next batch of bricks, this went on more or less all through the year.		They had no specialist temperature gauges in those days; they just knew by experience how long it would take. The bricks at the bottom were obviously over baked and they were called “Flint Bottom” bricks and you can see some occasionally which were used, because some of the firing used to come through and stick to the bottom of these bricks and fuse with the brick. These bricks were inferior, but people bought them, it was always the bottom layer that received the most heat. The heat worked its way through the stacks of bricks, and I suspect, though I never saw it, they had a special way of stacking these all in, so that the hot air could work through them, I do not think that they were packed in solid. There the bricks laid and remained until they were cold enough, which of course took some time, these bricks were removed and the kiln was readied for the next batch of bricks, this went on more or less all through the year.
	In the wintertime, the bricks in the moulds did not dry very quickly, so the whole process was slowed up. The kiln was like a great brick dome, which went to a height of 15ft to 18ft, it was solid brick construction and the archways were open, there were no doors on them, the bricks were stacked up to the front of the arches.		In the wintertime, the bricks in the moulds did not dry very quickly, so the whole process was slowed up. The kiln was like a great brick dome, which went to a height of 15ft to 18ft, it was solid brick construction and the archways were open, there were no doors on them, the bricks were stacked up to the front of the arches.

	===Horace J Harrison memories.===		===Horace J Harrison memories.===
	In my school days the main industry was handmade bricks, the sub soil was and still is clay. A Limekiln was on Sprowston Road; Chalk was dug out, then burnt in a kiln for several days with coal dust. This then became Lime, for the building trade, it was then mixed with sand and damped down in heaps, this became very hot, in fact one could cook an egg in it. When cool the heaps were mixed with water, to make mortar for bricklaying and for plastering the inside walls. mortar was laid out in the yard where the building was to be built, and watered down, it was then mixed with Cow hair and dung, then hand raked, this was also left for several weeks before using.		In my school days the main industry was handmade bricks, the sub soil was and still is clay. A Limekiln was on Sprowston Road; Chalk was dug out, then burnt in a kiln for several days with coal dust. This then became Lime, for the building trade, it was then mixed with sand and damped down in heaps, this became very hot, in fact one could cook an egg in it. When cool the heaps were mixed with water, to make mortar for bricklaying and for plastering the inside walls. mortar was laid out in the yard where the building was to be built, and watered down, it was then mixed with Cow hair and dung, then hand raked, this was also left for several weeks before using.