The Brickmakers of St Albans
A Talk given to the St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society at St Albans on 7th January 2003

William Bennett
1800-~1863

Little Meadow Brick Field

I cannot be sure that all references relate to the same brick field.

• 1833: William Bennett was assessed for rates on Bernerd Heath and Brick Hill, Sandridge.
• 1839-1862: Builder and Brickmaker of St Peter's Street, St Albans
• 1851: Mayor of St Albans
• 1861: Employed 17 labourers
• 1864: James Vass took over the brick works run by the late William Bennett.

Bennett probably had another brick field at Harpenden, and perhaps also at Hemel Hempstead.

JAMES VASS, BUILDER, Begs respectfully to state that he has taken the old-established and well-known BRICK and LIME YARD, situate on Bernard’s Heath, and for so many years carried on by the late Mr. William Bennett; where he intends to produce first-class BRICKS, at the lowest possible prices, which he doubts not will give complete satisfaction to all who may favour him with their orders. ——— A stock of fresh-burnt LIME always on hand. St Albans, August 4th, 1864. Herts Advertiser, 13th August, 1864

Supplementary Information

Biographical Data: see William Bennett & James Vass

If you can add to the information given above tell me.