Bricks of Victorian London: A social and economic history

Many of London’s Victorian buildings are built of coarse-textured yellow bricks – London stocks, produced in huge quantities through the 19th century. Whether visible or hidden, they form a major part of the fabric of the capital. This detailed history of the industry offers a fresh perspective on the social and economic history of the city.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: University of Hertfordshire Press

Many of London's Victorian buildings are constructed from coarse-textured yellow bricks, known as 'London stocks.' These bricks were produced in vast quantities throughout the nineteenth century and were renowned for their ability to withstand the airborne pollutants of the Victorian city. Whether visible or hidden behind stonework or underground, they form an integral part of the capital's fabric. Until now, little has been written about the process of their manufacture and the individuals involved.

Peter Hounsell has authored a comprehensive history of the industry that supplied these bricks to the London market, offering a fresh perspective on the city's social and economic history. In this book, he delves into the intricate workings of a complex network of finance and labor. From landowners who saw an opportunity to profit from the clay on their land to entrepreneurs who sought to establish brick manufacturing businesses, to the workers who actually made the bricks, the book examines the process in detail, placing it within the context of supply-and-demand factors that influenced the production of bricks and the costs associated with operating a brickworks.

Transport from the brickfields to the market was of paramount importance, and Dr. Hounsell conducts a thorough survey of the various routes by which bricks were delivered to building sites. These included road transport, Thames barge or canal boat transport, and, in the second half of the century, the introduction of railways. The companies that manufactured the bricks employed thousands of men, women, and children, and their working lives, homes, and culture are explored in this book. Additionally, it examines the journey towards improved working conditions and wages.

The decline of the handmade yellow stock was eventually brought about by the arrival of the machine-made Fletton brick, which directly competed with it. The machine-made Fletton brick offered a more efficient and cost-effective production process, leading to its widespread adoption. However, it did not have the same character and quality as the handmade yellow stock, which continued to be appreciated by those who valued its unique appearance and durability.

In conclusion, Peter Hounsell's book provides a valuable insight into the history of the London brick industry and its contribution to the city's development. It sheds light on the processes involved in brick manufacture, the individuals who worked in the industry, and the social and economic factors that shaped its growth and decline. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in London's architectural heritage and the city's development over the past century.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912260577