Monument record MLI81429 - Cross O'Cliff Hill Brickworks, Lincoln
Summary
Early 19th century brickworks, at Cross O'Cliff Hill, Lincoln.
Type and Period (1)
- BRICKWORKS (Post Medieval to Edwardian - 1872 AD to 1907 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
A brickworks was located to the west of Cross o'Cliff Hill opposite South Common. The site was about 11 acres in extent, cut into the hillside of the escarpment of the Lincoln Edge. Adjacent to the pit stood a ruined red brick building, without a roof, alongside of which there was a 45ft high chimney.
The earliest reference to the works is in Kelly's Directory of 1872, it being operated by William Bartholomew Best, described as a 'brick, tile, flower pot etc manufacturer'. There was no reference in the 1868 Directory. Best's name appears up to and including White's of 1882. In 1887 it was one of a number of local brick yards which combined to form the Lincoln Brick Company. The OS 1:2500 first edition map of 1889 (surveyed 1887) shows the layout of the site. What is clear is that the present ruins did not exist at that time. However, the second edition of 1907 revised from 1904 does not show it. On this map the yard is not working, being described as the 'Old Brick Yard'. One of a sample of bricks removed from the site is marked 'LBCo'. It was from a wall, and had mortar attached, and so was part of a building built after 1887, and it seems likely that the Lincoln Brick Company took the opportunity to modernise the works after they took over.
In 1992 the buildings were ruinous, and so, to make them safe, the walls were lowered to a few brick courses in height, so the plan of the buildings remains. The chimney was reduced in height by 17ft, refurbished and repaired. There were two hand operated machines noted during the site visit, which were lost during the repairs. {1}{2}{3}
A watching brief was undertaken during ground-works at SK 9747 6857 prior to development. Deposits of brickyard waste were found over the site. There was also clay pits dug into the hillside, which had been refilled with waste clay and rubble. Brick foundations were revealed for a structure that was built sometime between 1904 and 1953. Demolition rubble from the decay of the site was also uncovered. {4}{5}
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SLI6523 Article in Serial: Stewart Squires. 1992. 'Industrial Archaeology Notes' in Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. vol.27, pp.48-9.
- <2> SLI18230 Graphic Material: Society for Lincolnshire History and Archaeology. 1992. Survey Drawings of Cross o'Cliff Hill Brickworks, Lincoln. -.
- <3> SLI5667 Map: Ordnance Survey. 1907-1950. 25 Inch County Series Map - Third Edition. 1:2500. 70/15.
- <4> SLI10183 Report: Lindsey Archaeological Services. 2005. Watching brief at the rear of 45 - 51 Cross O'Cliff Hill, Lincoln. TGL04.
- <5> SLI10184 Archive: Lindsey Archaeological Services. 2005. Watching brief at the rear of 45 - 51 Cross O'Cliff Hill, Lincoln. LCNCC 2004.149.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 9751 6851 (286m by 259m) Estimated from Sources |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | PARK, LINCOLN, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Aug 13 2024 12:49PM
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