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Straw was used between the layers of bricks to prevent damage
Making Bricks
The process of making bricks can be divided into a number of stages. Each stage will be looked at in turn.
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Distributing the Bricks |
Bricks were originally distributed by train, as this was the
first cheap means of
transporting large heavy loads such as bricks.
Road transport was by horse and cart along poorly maintained roads.
The decline in the use of the train was due to the greater
flexibility of road delivery and because trains were outside the control of
London Brick. The cuts to the rail
system made by Dr Beeching also had a detrimental effect.
London Brick bought their first vehicles in 1928. During the late thirties trucks were becoming more important and by 1939 there were 80 vehicles based at Stewartby. The wartime restrictions on vehicles and a lack of labour hampered distribution, many bricks were stockpiled during the war. By 1979 90% of London Brick’s deliveries were by truck. They had a fleet of around 200 of their own lorries and also used private contractors.
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Please click on thumbnails to view larger image |
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Trucks loading from the CK kilns at Stewartby |
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Straw was used between the layers of bricks to prevent damage |