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Traditionally,
until the early years of the 19th Century, brickmakers were
associated with builders and stonemasons.
When these people were engaged in the construction of large country
houses, all materials were usually prepared on site unless of course, “brick
earths” were not prevalent. Glacial
clays would be dug from an open pit near to the site of the proposed
structure, and when finished with, might be incorporated into a landscaped
garden feature such as a terrace, sunken garden or ornamental pool.
As the brickmaker travelled between commissions, his tools and equipment
were minimal. However, due to problems with clay bricks drying in the
winter months and with a law introduced during the reign of Queen
Elizabeth I limiting the times of the year when bricks could be made, many
brickmakers would have other occupations.
It
would not be uncommon for them to also be stonemasons, carpenters, tilers,
builders or even farmers.
By the 1820’s with the establishment of canals, railways and better
roads, it was no longer necessary for bricks to be made on site.
Brickworks became permanent structures with their own mines,
quarries, workshops and kilns. Because of this, travelling brickmakers
gradually dwindled. By 1995 there were but three.
Though based in the brickworks at Blists Hill Victorian Town, we
perpetuate the tradition of the travelling brickmakers, being able to
transport all the tools and equipment necessary for the manufacture of
bricks to the construction site, then make and bake bricks and tiles just
as they would have been made in the time of Elizabeth I.
Rural
clamp firing 2001
A.J.
MUGRIDGE –
Britain’s last travelling brickmaker
29/07/2011
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