"Old Bricks - history at your feet"

Coping and Edging bricks

I have started this section off to cover those bricks one finds as coping and edging on bridges, etc.


Accrington NORI

Wall capper from the NORI works in Accrington. Photo by Richard Matthews.


Adderley Park Brick Co Ltd

Photo by Elizabeth Thomson.


Aston Hall Coal & Brick Co

Seen on a garden wall in Sandycroft, Flintshire. Photos by David Kitching.

Photo by David Bell.


Barnett & Beddows, Walsall

Barnett & Beddows, Atlas Brick, Pipe & Tile Works, Stubbers Green, Aldridge, Walsall. Atlas was their trade name. Info by Chris Deacon, photo by Darren Heywood.

Photos by Martyn Fretwell.

Stamp on the underside of an edge coper. Photo by David Jones.


Samuel Barnett & Sons

Photos by Elizabeth Thomson.


Barnsley Metallic

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Bayley, Great Bridge

Kelly’s 1850 & 1860 editions lists James Bayley at Dudley Port, Dudley, then Jones’ 1865 edition lists James Bayley at Great Bridge. Spotted on a canal towpath on the Birmingham Main Line Canal by Elizabeth Thomson. Info by Martyn Fretwell.

Seen at Edgbaston Reservoir. Photo by Theresa Casey.

Thos. Bayley, blue brick, tile works & quarry, Great Bridge

Spotted by Phil Shaw on a bridge over the entrance to a disused basin at Smethwick Junction.

E & T Bayley, Great Bridge. Found at a brick reclamation yard in Spondon by Martyn Fretwell. Edward & Thomas Bayley are listed in Kelly's 1872 edition at Great Bridge, West Bromwich. The listing for this works in Kelly's 1876 to 1904 editions is Thomas Bayley, Golds Hill Brickworks, Great Bridge, Tipton & this is followed by the entry of Thomas Bayley Ltd. at the same address in Kelly's 1912 to 1940 editions. The works closed in 1940. Photo & Info by Martyn Fretwell.

Image by Richard Thorpe.


R. Bennett, Tamworth

These were found on a bridge over the former Lancashire, Derbyshire & East Coast Railway just east of Bolsover Tunnel. The copings are about 18"x 6"x6". The railway opened in 1897 so the copings must be original. Photos by Simon Patterson.

The location is the foot of one of the piers of the Harringworth/Welland Viaduct, specifically the one to the right of the road in this view.  As this appears to be original brickwork, it can be dated to 1875-8.  Photo and info by Alan Murray-Rust.

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


P. W. Bennitt, Oldbury

Pynson Wilmot Bennitt is listed in the Worcestershire Post Office Directory for 1876 as a Brick Manufacturer at Littlefields, Oldbury. The 1871 census shows him as MA Oxford and Brickmaster employing 14 men, 4 women, 7 boys and 13 girls. In 1881 he is shown as employing 30 hands and by 1891 he had ceased to be in business and was living off his own means.


William Bennitt, Oldbury

From the brickworks of William Bennitt, father of Pynson Wilmot Bennitt (see entry above) adjacent to his Alston Colliery in Oldbury. Seen on locks on the Stratford on Avon canal. Photo by Richard Thorpe.

These two capping bricks on a wall in Harborne are likely to be from the Bennitt works. Photos by Elizabeth Thomson.


Bentley

This garden edging is from Bentley Tileries Ltd., Bradwell Wood, Tunstall, Staffs. Kelly's Staffordshire Directory 1940. They seem to have traded from 1930s through to 1966 although the works itself dates back to at least the 1870s. Photo by Frank Lawson.


B W Blades

B.W. Blades is listed in Kelly’s 1850 & 1860 editions at Lea brook, Tipton. Brownlow William Blades appears on the 1881 census as a "Blue Brick Manufacturer", living in Swan Road, West Bromwich. His son had the same name, as did his father who was also a brickmaker from Northampton. The West Bromwich works was operating in the 1870s and was still in business in 1900. Photo and information by David Kitching.

M H Blanchard & Co

A coping brick from the Hockley Viaduct just south of Winchester which was built in the late 1880's. Photo by Richard Thorpe.

Photos by John Cox.


A Boorer



A Boorer, Crowhurst, near Oxted, Surrey. Photo by courtesy of the Richard Symonds collection.

G Boot, Sutton

George Boot, Dalesforth Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Notts. Kelly's Nottinghamshire Directory 1908-1916. Photo and information by Frank Lawson.


Box

Made in Market Lavington, Wiltshire. William Box owned the Market Lavington brick works for most of the second half of the 19th century. Photo by Rog.


Broadbent & Stanley

The Swan Lane brickworks, Nuneaton (now Croft Road) previously owned by Walter Handley was taken over Benjamin Broadbent, a Leicestershire builders merchant & Jacob Stanley in 1869. Shortly after forming this partnership Benjamin due to ill health took a back seat in the running of the company & Jacob's brother, Reginald took his place in running the yard. The partnership of B & S was dissolved in 1871 & the company was re-named Stanley Brothers. Photos courtesy of Sheryl Wrighting & this websiteFull history of the company.


Brooks & Pickup, Towneley Colliery, Burnley

Spotted on the beach at Crosby, Merseyside.


Broseley Tileries

Broseley Tileries produced bricks between 1882 & 1954. Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Bulwell

The Bulwell Brick Company had two works, one on Wells Road, Nottingham & this works is listed in Kelly's from 1891 to it's 1916 edition. The Kett Street works, Bulwell is listed from 1876 to it's 1932 edition, with this brickworks closing around 1940.  Info and photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Burgoyne

Photo by Lawrence Skuse, The P.P on the  Burgoyne coping brick refers to "Pontypool" (from Little Mill, Pontypool).


Cakemore

Cakemore brick works & collieries, Rowley Regis, South Staffordshire. Spotted by Phil Shaw on a bridge over the entrance to a disused basin at Smethwick Junction.

Photo by Hamish Fenton.

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Catherall & Co Ltd

Seen capping the sea wall at Aberdyfi. Photo by Chris Richardson.

 

Aberdyfi again. Photo by Magdy Fahmy.


Cattybrook Brick Co Limited

Photo by Lawrence Skuse.


D & S Clarke

Daniel & Samuel Clarke, Sanitary Tube & Common & Firebrick Manufacturers, Greasbrough Road, Masbrough, Rotherham, Kellys 1893 Directory. Photo and info by Frank Lawson.

Photo by Andrew Richards.


Clark & Rea

This gatepost finial is in Bridgnorth. The trade mark RCR stands for Roman, Clark & Rea who ran Wilderness Brickworks at Gresford, Wrexham until 1903 when the partnership was dissolved and Clark continued on his own. Roman was their trade name. Photo by Mike Shaw.


Coupe

Coupe Brothers, Brickmakers who, according to several street directories, operated out of several addresses in Sheffield including Carlisle Street East & Sorby Street. Information from Frank Lawson and photo by David Kitching.


H V Cowham, Cannock

The only trade directory found is for a W.B. Cowham at Cannock in Kelly's 1868 edition, so I expect it is the same family. I recently spotted this coping brick on a small stream bridge at Rugeley near to Cawarden Reclamation Yard. Photo & Info by Martyn Fretwell.

Photo by Frank Lawson.


Fred Davis

Fred Davis was a plumber, glazier and gasfitter in Todmorden. It is unlikely that he had a brickmaking business and this edging brick will have been made on contract and stamped for him. Photo by Jonathan Greenwood.


Dennis, Ruabon

This large coping brick was found on Crosby beach. Photo by Andrew Morley.

H Doulton, Rowley Regis

Photo by Andy Mabbett - (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Photo by Arnold William.


Doulton, St Helens

Photo by Frank Lawson.


Earl of Dudley, Tipton

Found by Frank Lawson in the towpath of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Coneygre Brick Works, Dudley Port, Tipton.


Ebbw Vale

Photo by Mike Chapman.


Eberhard, Rowley Regis

H.B. Eberhard is listed in Kellys 1860 & 68 editions at Waterfall Lane, Old Hill, Rowley Regis, Dudley. Info & Photo by Martyn Fretwell.

Photo by Mike Chapman.


J C Edwards, Ruabon

Photo taken in Pontesbury by Michael Shaw.


Eldon

Eldon brickworks to the east of Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. Photo by Frank Lawson.


C.J. Fellows, Longhouse, Cannock

Charles J. Fellows, Longhouse Brickworks, Cannock is listed in Kelly’s 1872. This brickworks was next under the control of Henry Hawkins by 1888. Info & photographed at Four Oaks Reclamation Yard by Martyn Fretwell.


William & William T Field, Tipton

William & William T. Field are listed at the Toll End Blue Brick Works, Tipton in Kelly's 1880 edition. The entry in Kelly's 1884 edition is just for William Field. Kelly's 1868 to 1924 editions also records William Field as owning the Littleworth Brickworks/Tileries at Hednesford. Photo & Info by Martyn Fretwell.


Freakley Bros

Sept 1881 - Liquidation by arrangement - John Freakley and Joseph Freakley trading as Freakley Bros, Lyndon, West Bromwich. Photo by Arnold William.


W. Gilbert, Tipton

Phil spotted this one on a bridge over the Brades branch on the Wolverhampton Level of the BCN.

and another found by Phil nearby.

Photo by Mike Chapman.

Photo by Bill Whitehead.

Photo by Richard Thorpe.

Martyn Fretwell writes ;- William Gilbert (blue) is listed in Kelly’s 1850 edition at Tividale Tileries, Tipton through to Kelly’s 1880 edition. From Kelly’s 1872 edition there is the addition of “& Son”


Great Bridge, Tipton

Spotted on the Walsall Canal, thanks to Phil for the photo.


John Hadley,Gower Brickworks, Oldbury

Photos by Bill Whitehead.


Haines. Tipton

Photo by Peter Earley.


John Hamblet, Oldbury

John Hamblet aged 18 is first listed as a brickmaker in the 1851 census living with his brother Joseph Hamblet, brickmaker aged 31 in Rounds Green, Oldbury. So I am assuming John was working for Joseph at this date. John is next recorded as brickmaking in Ampthill, Bedford. In the 1861 census John is listed as a Railway Contractor & Publican in Ledbury, after which John was brickmaking again, this time in Southall, Middx. John declares himself bankrupt from this Southall venture (reference the London Gazette) & was living in West Bromwich by 1867. Kelly’s 1876 edition records the partnership of Crowther & Hamblet at the Paddock Brickworks, Oldbury & Charles William Crowther was John’s son-in-law. Charles had married John’s daughter, Annie in 1873. This Crowther Hamblet partnership may have only lasted between 1873 & 1876 as we find Charles Crowther is listed as a baker in the 1881 census. John Hamblet was next in partnership with Samuel Tittley at the Paddock Brickworks, but this partnership was dissolved in August 1880, (reference the London Gazette). We then find in 1883 John Hamblet an out of work brickmaker formerly at the Paddock Brickworks was declaring himself bankrupt (reference the London Gazette). However the 1891 census records John Hamblet aged 58, as a Brick Manufacturer/Employer in Oldbury. So I am assuming this was at the Paddock Brickworks again. The Paddock Brickworks is no longer shown on the 1900 OS map, so must have closed in the 1890’s. Info by Martyn Fretwell.

Photo by Kevin Wood.

Photo taken by Jo Roesen at Broadway station Worcs.

Terry Callaghan says that the bridge this C & H coping can be seen on, on the Sutton Park Line, Sutton Coldfield was built in 1879. Photo by Terry Callaghan.


Joseph Hamblet, West Bromwich

Joseph Hamblet founded the Piercy Brickworks in West Bromwich works in 1851 and it came to specialise in blue bricks.  They were much in demand in the latter half of the 19th century for railway and other industrial construction.

Some more from the L.D & E.C.R just east of Bolsover Tunnel. They are about 18"x 6"x6". The railway opened in 1897 so the copings must be original. Photos by Simon Patterson.

This was found on a bridge where the L.D.& E.C.R. Beighton branch
line crossed the Midland Clowne branch line. Photo by Simon Patterson.

Photo by Paul Shepley.

Coping from Woodford Halse Station. Photo by Zach Rambaldini.

Jeffrey Carter writes: The enclosed photo is from the lock edge of the newly reopened Droitwich canal. While we, The Coombeswood Canal Trust and BCNS undertook clearance testing with our pair of heritage working narrow boats 'Atlas' and 'Malus' for BW and Droitwich Canal Trust, June 2011.

Photo by Phil Clayton.

Photo by Terry Callaghan.


Hampton Park, Hereford

A brickworks site of the Hereford Brick and Tile Company.  Richard Paterson writes:  The Hampton Park Brick & Tile Works is described in 'Herefordshire Bricks & Brickmakers' by Edwin Davey & Rebecca Roseff (Logaston Press, 2007).  It was 'a large brick and tile works 2km from Hereford city centre. There were adjacent clay pits, up to 5 drying sheds and 4 kilns which were extant in 1886'. The book contains an interesting description of the works and operations by a Mr Eckley, who worked there in 1936 and 1937, shortly before the works closed prior to the outbreak of war. From 1939 to D-Day the site was used by the US military and it is now a recreation ground and nature reserve.

Photo courtesy of Hereford Museum and Gallery, Herefordshire Museum Service.


W Hancock & Co, Buckley

For more information see Hancock's Lane End Brickworks on the Buckley page. Photo by Frank Lawson.


Harper

John Harper & Co. are listed in Kelly's 1876/80/84 editions at the Albion Works, Willenhall, Staffs. Primarily lock manufacturers the company also made bricks at their Albion Works which were used to build extensions to their existing buildings. Info & Photographed at Four Oaks Rec. Yard by Martyn Fretwell.


Hathern Brick Co. Tamworth

Owned by the Hathern Station Brick & Terra Cotta Co. near Loughborough, the Hathern Brick Co. operated it's Cliff Brickworks near Kingsbury, Tamworth, Staffs. between 1882 & 1961. Today the site of this former brickworks is now the clay pit to Wienerberger's Kingsbury works and this modern works was built on the site of Whateley Colliery and it's brickworks. I photographed this coping brick on a disused Nottingham Suburban Railway bridge in Woodthorpe Grange park, so this brick can be dated as being made before 1889 when the railway opened.  An aerial view of the works. Photos & Info by Martyn Fretwell.


Hattan, Castleford

Chas Hattan was one of several brickmakers in the Castleford area. Listed in trade directories at Glasshoughton 1908/ 1912/ 1917 and at Middle Oxford Street 1927 / 1938.  Castleford, West Yorkshire. Photo by courtesy of the Frank Lawson collection, taken in Normanton.


Haunchwood

Spotted in Sheaf Street, Sheffield by AKA Demik.

Spotted on a railway bridge in Nottingham. The bridge was built in the 1930s, which dates this particular style of stamp. The stamped bricks are on the approach ramps rather than the bridge itself which has had the parapet slightly raised at some point. Photo and info by Alan Murray-Rust.


Henley's Patent

Found in Huddersfield, not sure what they are, but now used as wall toppers. they are about 30 x 24 inch and at least one marked HENLEY'S PATENT. Martyn Fretwell notes that George Middleton Henley (1836 - 1907) was an engineer & in the 1891 census listed as Manager of the Chytane brick and china clay works in Cornwall. The works advertised Henley´s Patent dovetail bricks for hollow walls amongst its products. Mr Henley appears to have been involved in china clay quarrying and drying, and tin mining in addition to brickmaking. He certainly took out at least one more patent (for china clay drying) but so far further brick patents have proved elusive. Martyn suggests that these patent bricks might have been made by Elliotts of Huddersfield. Photo by Chris Shaw.


Hobley & Burgess

This is thought likely to be a product of Hobley & Burgess of Albion Street, Willenhall Staffordshire. They appear in Kelly's Directory for 1872. Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Hoyland Brick Company

Photo by Frank Lawson.


Huncoat, Accrington

Photo by Andrew Wood.


Ibstock

Ibstock edging. Photos by Phil Burgoyne.


J W Ivery, (Wood & Ivery), West Bromwich

Photo by Ray Martin.  See the entry for Wood & Ivery in the bricks section for more details of the company history.


Jennings

John Jennings and Frederick John Hornsby were partners as brick tile and quarry makers at the Knowle Brickyard, Rowley Regis until this was dissolved in September 1860 with Jennings continuing the business. In the 1860s John Jennings and Nicholas Horace Chavasse were in partnership as brickmakers at the same works until this partnership was dissolved on 1st February 1866 with Chavasse continuing the business. From around 1860 and until at least 1866 Chavasse was the tenant of Rowley Hall. The Knowle works was subsequently taken over by Henry Doulton who is recorded there in Kelly's directory for 1872. Photo by Elizabeth Thomson.


Jennings & Chavasse

Jennings & Chavasse, Rowley, near Dudley. Photo by Pater Earley


E Jones, Dudley Port

Found in Wednesbury by Steve Thorpe. Martyn Fretwell writes ;- Edward Jones & Co. (blue, red & ridge), Old Groveland Brick Works, Dudley Port, Tipton. Kellys 1884.


Chas Keyworth, Wadsley Bridge

Made on Halifax Road in Wadsley Bridge Sheffield. Photo by Laddy Kaczmarczyk.


Kilnhurst

Kilnhurst Colliery Brickworks, Kilnhurst, Rotherham. Associated with Kilnhurst Colliery which was owned by several companies until finally becoming part of the NCB empire. It closed in 1989. Photo and info by Frank Lawson.


Joseph King, Stourbridge

Made by Joseph King, Chapel terra cotta works, Netherend, Park Lane, Cradley, West Midlands. Photo by Michael Raybould.


Knowles Ltd

Weaving shed ventilator by Thomas Knowles of Spring Vale Fireclay Works, Darwen, Lancashire. In 1914 products included sanitary ware, salt glazed sanitary pipes, bends, junctions, gullies and all kinds of traps and fittings, cattle troughs, pig troughs, horse mangers, sinks, waste water closets, latrines and urinals, patent manholes, patent anti-flood traps, patent outlet pipes for gas cookers and Knowles' patent golf sand boxes. The business was acquired by The Hepworth Iron Company in 1962. Photo by Alan McEwen.


Liverpool Building Materials Co

Photo by Alan Davies.

I suspect that this coping brick is from the Liverpool Building Material and Cement Co which seems to have been a builders' merchant from at least 1890 to the 1960s. I very much doubt that the company manufactured bricks and would expect them to have been made for it by a brick manufacturer not too far away, quite likely one of the North Wales firms, although they are listed as brick and tile makers in Gore's 1900 Liverpool directory.

Found and photographed on Crosby beach by Lesley Frances.


London & North Western Railway

Photo by Hamish Fenton.


Maltby Metallic

A Maltby Metallic coping brick made in South Yorkshire.


M S & B W

Mansfield Stone and Brick Works. Photo by Martyn Fretwell courtesy of the Simon Patterson Collection.


Marshall Sons & Co

Marshall Sons and Company were an engineering firm who made traction engines, etc. at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. The factory was built from bricks made from clay out of the hillside where the factory stood. Photo Rojam Kin.


Richard Mason, Tipton

Found by Alwyn Sparrow on a railway bridge abutment in Warwick.

Richard Mason & Sons, Crown Brick Works, Toll End, Tipton.  Richard Mason & Sons are first recorded in Kelly's 1884 edition, then the entry from the 1896 edition to the 1916 edition is Mason Ltd, (blue & red), Toll End, Tipton. Present day Bayleys Pool on Toll End Road is where they dug the clay from for the Crown Brickworks. Photo & Info by Martyn Fretwell.


Metal

"Metal" and "Metal Brand" was the trade brand used by The Metallic Tile Co. (Rowley Bros.) Ltd. They operated the Metallic Tileries in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. Trading ceased in 1977. Bricks marked Metal" were also produced at Rowley Brothers Hanford Tileries which operated from 1936 to 1954. Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


The Midland Iron Co Limited

The Midland Iron Co. Ltd., Midland Road, Masborough, Rotherham. Further information at - www.gracesguide.co.uk/Midland_Iron_Co . The Midland Iron Co had a brickworks in Rotherham. George C. Hague, the proprietor of The Midland Iron Company, Rotherham was also a partner in the Manvers Main Colliery Company. Photo by courtesy of the Frank Lawson collection.


Thomas Mobberley, Greets Green, West Bromwich

Spotted in Bridgnorth by Maurice Stokes


William Morris, Oldbury

Kelly’s 1860 edition lists William Morris brickmaking on Portway Road, Oldbury. Then Jones 1865 edition records his works at Radnall Fields, Oldbury. This works was later accessed from Church Bridge with the marl hole extending right up to Portway Road. William Morris continues to be listed at the Radnall Brickworks until Kelly’s 1896 edition when the entry reads William Morris exors of. This entry is repeated right up to Kelly’s 1940 edition when it is thought this brickworks closed. Info and by Martyn Fretwell, photos by Elizabeth Thomson.


Newhey

Photo by Ian Sneyd.


Noel Bros & Co, Llantrisant

Photo by Lawrence Skuse.


Monk & Newell, Ruabon

Coping brick on a wall in Warrington.


E P North

In 1891 E P North was at Lays Tile Works near Stourbridge. In 1878 the works, along with the Bromley Brick and Tile Works were run by Richard North. Photo by Peter Earley.


Richard North, Stourbridge

Photo by Ben Jones.


Nostell

Nostell is a village near Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The works is still open today as part of Ibstock Brick. Photo by Frank Lawson.


Nottingham Patent Brick Company

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Oldbury Brick Co Ld

The Oldbury Furnace Yard Brick & Tile Co. Ltd. is listed with offices at 82 New Street, Birmingham in Kelly’s Birmingham 1883 edition. Then the 1884 Worcestershire edition of Kelly’s reveals the Oldbury Furnace Yard Brick & Tile Co. Ltd. was on Inkerman Street, Oldbury with Joseph William Howlett as Managing Director. Kelly’s 1888 edition now records the works was being run by Joseph William Howlett in his own name. The London Gazette dated 25th of March 1890 records the Oldbury Furnace Yard Brick & Tile Co. had been struck off the Joint Stocks Register & were declared Insolvent. The 1886 OS map shows there were two brickworks on Inkerman Street & the Oldbury company's works was the one nearest Freeth Street. The next owners of this works in Kelly’s 1892 edition were Allbrooke, Haynes & Allbrooke & their entry reads Furnace Yard Brickworks, Oldbury (Late Oldbury Brick Co.). The other brickworks on Inkerman Street, called the Newfield Brickworks was owned by Pynson Wilmot Bennitt. Photo & Info by Martyn Fretwell.


J Onions

John Onions, Broseley Tileries, Shropshire. Photos by Steve Dewhirst.


Parkinson & Spencer

Parkinson & Spencer, Ambler Thorn, Halifax. Listed from 1917 in trade directories and still operating as Parkinson & Spencer Refractories in August 2012. Seen at the Bracebridge Lock on the Chesterfield Canal at Worksop. Info by PRBCO, photo by Darren Haywood.


Parks & Marshall

Parks & Marshall, Gally Hill Brickworks, Coxheath Road, Church Crookham, Hants.


W E Partridge

William Edward Partridge is listed in Kelly's from 1872 to 1904 editions at Kingswinford, Dudley & after his death in May 1904 the business is listed as W.E. Partridge & Co. in the 1908 edition. Photo by Eve.

Photo by Elizabeth Thomson.

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Pinewood

The Pinewood Estate Brick & Tile Co. Chapel Lane, Little Hungerford, West Berkshire. Photo by Norman Whitehorn.


Joseph Pratt, Oldbury

Joseph Pratt is listed in Kelly’s 1880 edition as owning the Phoenix Brickworks in Oldbury & the 1881 census records him as a Brick Manufacturer & Provisions Dealer. His son Joseph William Davey Pratt also became a brickmaker, first owning the Paddock Brickworks, Oldbury in 1888, then moving to the Taylor Lane/Newbury Lane Brickworks, then another move to the New Century Brickworks, also on Newbury Lane. A brick made by J. W. D. Pratt can be seen listed under Pratt Limited. Info by Martyn Fretwell, photo by Elizabeth Thomson.


Priestley of Whittington

Found on a wall at Brimington, Chesterfield by Simon Patterson.

Simon adds this information:  From the 1881 census Henry Priestley age 24 brick manufacturer living Sheffield Rd. Whittington.  From the 1891 Kelly's Directory for Whittington: Henry Priestly Grocer, Draper and Brickmaker, The Brushes, Whittington.


Randlay, Salop

Photo taken in Copthorne Road, Shrewsbuy by Michael Shaw.


Riddings

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


G Robinson, Masbro

Photo by Andrew Batson.

George Robinson, Wortley Road, Masbrough, Rotherham is listed as a brick manufacturer in Kelly's Sheffield & Rotherham Directory 1893. Kelly's West Riding Directory of 1881 records - James & George Robinson, Wortley Road, Masbrough, Rotherham as Brick & Tile Makers. An obituary notice in the London Gazette dated November 13th 1885 records the address of the brickyard as North Greaves Brickyard, Masbrough, Rotherham. Photos and info by Frank Lawson.

Image PRBCO.


J Robinson, Nuneaton

Seen at Easton Neston by Nigel Furniss.

Seen on the parapet of a railway bridge at Bartlow in Cambridgeshire. Photo by Sid Cat.

Photo by Alan Baxter.


Rochdale Brick Co Ltd

Photo by Frank Lawson.


S J Sadler Jr

Photo by Bill Whitehead.


S & J Sadler

Septimus John Sadler, Portway Brickworks, Oldbury is listed Kelly’s 1880 to 1928 editions.
Septimus John’s son Charles continued to run the Portway Road works in his father’s name after
Septimus John’s death in 1918. Info by Martyn Fretwell & Photo by Elizabeth Thomson.


Shafton

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Shelton & Son

George Shelton & Son are listed in Whites 1875 edition with the address of Sheepcote Street in the Brick & Tile Manufacturers section. The business subsequently appears in the Brick & Tile Merchants section at Sheepcote Street & in some at 58 Water Street. It is likely that they bought in brick from a local manufacturer, stamped with their name. Photo & Info by Martyn Fretwell.

Photo by Phil Burgoyne.


Charles Skelding, Brierley Hill

Charles Skelding, Nager's Field brick works, Brierley Hill, thanks to Velda for the contribution.


George Skey, Wilnecote, Tamworth

See Skey brick entry for info. Photographed at Four Oaks Reclamation by Martyn Fretwell.


Smith & Hitchmough



Found by Frank Lawson in Hoyland, works later taken over by James Smith/Skiers Spring.


Somerset Trading Company Ltd

Photo by Elizabeth Thomson who found this on a wall in Smethwick.

Photo of the stamp by Janet Gladstone.


Stanley Bros. Nuneaton

Started in 1895 as Stanley Brothers Ltd. covering 145 acres at Stockingford on Nuneaton Common. They were one of the largest manufacturers of clayware products in the U.K., supplying over 4,000 customers in 1895. There were also separate brickyards owned by the company, and they operated two collieries. They were worth over £114,000 in 1895, (over £11.5 million today) !!  Most of the sites have been redeveloped for housing, the works finally closing on 31st January 1988, but most of the commercial records have been saved. Further reading is to be found in the book NUNEATON & BEDWORTH COAL, STONE, CLAY & IRON by Peter Lee.  Photo and info by Nigel Furniss.


T T

Found at Paignton by Taj Jat. The best I can suggest is that the initials stand for Thomas, Torquay. William Thomas & Co Ltd was a longstanding brickmaking business in the area. The business is listed at Torquay Yard, Torquay, & Lowesbridge, Newton Road, St Mary Church, Torquay.


E.D. Taylor, Cannock

E.D. Taylor, Cannock, Stafford is listed in Kelly's 1860 edition. Info & photographed at Cawarden Reclamation by Martyn Fretwell.


John Taylor, Sible Hedingham

John Taylor, Sible Headingham, Halstead, Essex is listed in Kellys 1886 edition. Photo & Info by Martyn Fretwell.


Tibbington Co, Tipton

Kelly's 1876 edition lists Tibbington Collieries & Brick Works, E. Howl manager at Princes End, Tipton. Info & photographed at the Black Country Living Museum by Martyn Fretwell.


Toll End Colliery Company

The Toll End Colliery Company is listed as a brick manufacturer in trade directories from 1872-1876. Photographed in situ at the Black Country Living Museum by Martyn Fretwell.


20 Well (Twentywell)

Photo by Martyn Fretwell. Tim Lawton writes: I believe this was made at the Twentywell Brickworks located in Bradway, Sheffield, adjacent to the railway cutting off Twentywell Lane.  From what I can glean from the old ordnance survey maps, the works was in operation from at least 1875 through to the 1950s (maybe later). Interestingly the works seemed to manufacture stoneware also. Malcolm Adlington adds:  Twentywell closed in 1939, but wasn't demolished until the late 1950s or early 1960s.


W Vallance

No Info - Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Victoria Works, Aldridge

This one forms part of the coping to the churchyard wall at Bleasby, Notts, photo by Alan Murray-Rust.

Photo by Ray Martin, taken at Sutton Coldfield station.


Vitros

The North Staffordshire Brick & Tile Co. Ltd. had an extensive works at Chesterton, 
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. VITROS seems to have been a trade brand which the
company used for a number of its products. Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


Wadsley Bridge

Probably Wadsley Bridge Brick Co., Wadsley Bridge, Sheffield. Photo by Frank Lawson.


John Walker, Stourbridge.

Spotted by Phil Shaw in a wall at the side of lock No.1 on the Smethwick flight.


T. Walton, Dudley

Photo by Simon Patterson, found in Dudley.

Thomas Walton is listed in Kelly's 1868 to 1880 editions at Dudley Port, Tipton. In 1872 Thomas was living on Park Lane, Tipton & is recorded as taking out a seven year lease on a brickworks in Dudley Port from the Dudley & West Bromwich Banking Co. Info & Photographed at the Black Country Living Museum by Martyn Fretwell.


Wharncliffe Silkstone Colliery

Photo by Ken Wyatt.


Westgate

Westgate Brick Co Ltd, Dewsbury Road, Wakefield - Kelly's Directory for Yorkshire, 1927. Photo by Frank Lawson.


J. Whitehouse, Bloomfield

Photo by David Kitching


Whitwick Colliery

Whitwick Colliery was in Coalville, Leicestershire. This is the underneath to a coping brick which formed a ridge of bricks along the top of a wall. Photographed at Cadeby Reclamation yard by Martyn Fretwell.


Wilson Bros

Wilson's Sandal Brickworks, Sandal, Wakefield. Photo by Frank Lawson.


Withnell

Photo by Alan Davies.


Withymoor, Netherton, Dudley

Photo by Mallosa.


D & P Wood, West Bromwich

Martyn Fretwell reckons this is Daniel & Peter Wood, Pump House brickworks, West Bromwich probably in the early 1880s. Photo from Harborne by Elizabeth Thomson.

For further information about the Wood family brickworks in the area see Martyn's UK Named Bricks page.


G Woolliscroft & Sons

Photo by David Kitching.


G. Wood, Brades, Oldbury

Seen at the old sewage works, Chorlton Eyes, Manchester. Photo by David Kitching.

Photos by Martyn Fretwell.

Spotted by Phil Shaw on a bridge at Dudley Port Junction on Birmingham Level BCN.

On a garden wall. Photo by Tim Geater.


J T Wood & Bros, Wordsley, Stourbridge

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.


P & S Wood

Photo by Martyn Fretwell.

Photo by Paul Gower.


Wood & Ivery

Found in Edgbaston by Elizabeth Thomson.

Photo by Nigel Megson, found at Stubbs Bridge, Womersley, Yorks.  See the entry for Wood & Ivery in the bricks section for more details of the company history.

Seen on lock 29 of the Stratford on Avon canal. Photo by Richard Thorpe.

Photo by Karen Hirst.


Woodall & Co

Woodall & Co were coal and brick masters at Tansey Green, Pensnett, Dudley and are listed in Kelly's 1872 edition through to the 1892 edition. The bull nosed edging brick was photographed by Jo Roesen at Winchcombe railway station. Info by Martyn Fretwell.


Wyrley Cannock Colliery

Seen along the towpath of the Birmingham Canal in the Brindley Place area of Birmingham. If anyone can photograph a whole example for the website from the several that are visible there , I shall be very grateful.The brickworks was attached to Wyrley Cannock Nr. 1 shaft. Exact location of works and mine is where new housing has been built on Swan Close off Dundalk Lane,Cheslyn Hay. Wyrley Cannock colliery Nr.1 shaft and brickworks shown in operation in 1869 and 1880 mine records and also on 1883 surveyed map but shown as abandoned on 1900 surveyed map. Photo by Tim Lawton.

Photo by Peter Earley.


A terra cotta cover for electric cables, made by Baldwin.  Thanks to Simon Patterson for the photo.


Not known

This is a a "holed" refractory brick found at the site of a disused ironworks at New Inn, Pontypool by Lawrence Skuse.  This is unattributable, but was found with some standard Southwood Jones bricks, and most fire bricks at this site are Southwood Jones, both from Risca and Pontypool.  The brick is 9 x 10 x 2 1/4 inches, the holes have a 1 inch bore and go all the way through the brick.


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