British Bricks (Paperback)

David Kitching

ISBN 10: 1445659123 / ISBN 13: 9781445659121

Published by Amberley Publishing, Chalford, 2016

About this Item

Paperback. Bricks are all around us, yet we seldom stop to look at them. There is an almost infinite range of bricks and, likewise, brick colours. Years ago every small district had its own brickworks to meet local demand, and larger businesses began to develop alongside better transport links that allowed them to supply regionally. Many of these local works left a record of their existence in the form of their name, pressed into the frog of the bricks they made in some cases, the only sign that they ever existed.This book uses the named examples to look at the development and history of brickworks in Britain and the wide range of bricks that they made. From the single kiln in a field to the massive continuous kilns and chimneys that grew in areas where the right clays were available, millions of bricks were produced to feed the demands of housing, transport and industry. Specialist requirements for bricks to resist high temperatures were met by using fireclay and silica rock for refractory bricks. Today there are far fewer producers, but their output can be enormous and modern works continue to supply the demand for the humble brick. Explores the history of British bricks and brick makers. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781445659121

Bibliographic Details

• Title: British Bricks (Paperback)
• Publisher: Amberley Publishing, Chalford
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1445659123
• ISBN 13: 9781445659121
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Discover the hidden history within Britain's bricks, from local kilns to iconic structures.

Bricks are everywhere, yet often overlooked. British Bricks uncovers the story behind these humble building blocks, exploring the diverse range of bricks and their colors found across the UK. From small, local brickworks to large-scale industrial operations, this guide delves into the evolution of brick manufacturing and its impact on housing, transport, and industry.

Explore the legacy of local brickworks, many of which left their mark―literally―on the bricks they produced. Learn about the specialist bricks designed to withstand high temperatures and the modern techniques that continue to shape the industry. Perfect for history enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone curious about Britain's industrial heritage.

About the Author

David Kitching is a former Countryside Management Officer with a lifetime interest in industrial history. Since retiring he has been researching the history of the North Staffordshire brick industry and helped develop brick displays at the Apedale Heritage Centre at Newcastle-under-Lyme. He has previously written about the coal industry in Staffordshire and Cheshire.