A Short History of Bernards Heath
G F Arnold's Brickworks
George Farr Arnold was a major builder whose work increased during the building boom that hit St Albans when the first railway station was opened in 1858. In 1864 he opened a brick field on Bernards Heath, where the fire station now is. The area included "Brick Close" which was the site of a much older brick field. By 1870 he seems to have given up building and concentrated on brickmaking. The 1881 census shows he was employing 30 people. The works continued until 1888 - when there was a fatal accident in one of the pits but tallow works had been set up on the site by 1890.
Arnold's Brick Works about 1880.
| TREAT TO WORKPEOPLE. — On Monday afternoon last the men employed in Mr. G. F. Arnold’s brickfields had their annual treat, which consisted of tea, cake, and other refreshments. In the evening a variety of games, etc., was provided for their amusement, both in the open air and in a long shed in the brickyard. After much enjoying the treat the men dispersed about half-past nine o’clock. [1869] |
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