The Brickmakers of St
Albans
A Talk given to the St Albans & Hertfordshire
Architectural & Archaeological Society at St Albans on 7th January 2003
Brick Close Brick Field
1864-1888
- Brick Close was in agricultural use in the early 19th century.
- 1864 G. F. Arnold reopened it as a brick works, taking in adjacent areas.
- 1867/8 Dispute about the rates payable - reference to railway contract
- 1870 Theft of coal - open of many such incidents
- 1870 Arnold described as Brick & Lime Manufacturer (dropped Builder)
- 1879 Hut damaged by young men beating the new City bounds
- 1881 Arnold employed 30 people.
- 1883 Gave up rights to take clay from site of the cricket pavillion.
- 1888 Accident in one of the brick pits.
- 1890 Tallow Works operating on part of the site.
- 1897 G F Arnold dies.
- Pits later used as corporation rubbish tip.