Brickmaking: History and Heritage

Brick has been used in construction since the Roman period, but its use in rapid industrial and urban development increased in the nineteenth century due to mechanization and new kiln technologies. Brickmaking was a localised industry, with thousands of sites existing at one time, but now it is concentrated in relatively few sites. This book explores the history of the brickmaking industry and looks at production sites from the past and the present.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2021
\n Publisher: Amberley Publishing
\n

From the Roman era onwards, brick has been the preferred material for constructing buildings across a significant portion of the country. During the Tudor and Stuart eras, clay brick was commonly used for constructing high-status structures. However, it was in the nineteenth century that the widespread adoption of brick in rapid industrial and urban development resulted in a substantial surge in brick production. The mechanization of various processes and the introduction of innovative kiln technologies played a pivotal role in enabling this remarkable increase in output. In the past, age-old clamp kilns were replaced by kilns capable of producing thousands of bricks per week. The low individual unit cost of bricks and the high demand for bricks for each new building led to the localization of brickmaking. Brickworks would establish themselves wherever suitable raw materials were available, close to the intended market. Unfortunately, many of the thousands of brickmaking sites that once existed have been demolished over time, resulting in a concentration of brickmaking activities in relatively few locations.

This book delves into the rich history of the brickmaking industry, examining both past and present production sites. It explores the technological advancements, economic factors, and social implications that have shaped the industry throughout its evolution. By examining these sites, the book provides a valuable insight into the craftsmanship, engineering, and cultural significance of brickmaking, highlighting its enduring role in shaping the built environment.

\n Weight: 302g\n
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 8 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781445699400\n \n