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

George Farr Arnold
1809-1897

Brick Close Brick Field

George Farr Arnold was a builder and joiner in 1851. Following the increase in house building that had been triggered by the opening of St Albans first railway station in 1858, he placed a large advertisement in the Herts Advertiser describing his extensive activities in the building and related trades. In particular "he has extended his BRICK & LIME MANUFACTORY and has opened of his NEW BRICK GROUND at the end of Victoria Road, St. Peters where there is every facility in operation to supply the increasing demand."

GEORGE F. ARNOLD BUILDER, UNDERTAKER, &c., &c., ST. PETER’S STREET, ST ALBANS Begs most respectfully to call the attention of his Patrons and the Public generally, and kindly solicits an inspection of his NEW BRICK FIELD, next to Bernard’s Heath, Harpenden Road, where will be found Good Hard Well Burnt KILN BRICKS, Coping (various), Plinths, &c., not to be surpassed by any in this locality; also good top set BURNT LIME, always in stock, at moderate prices. [Part of a Long advert gives details of building materials, funerals, and building ground to sell near the site of the New Midland Station] Herts Advertiser, 13th August, 1864

In 1864 he opened a brick field on the old Brick Close where the present Fire Station is situated.

Supplementary Information

Biographical Information: see George Farr Arnold

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