Smith's Brick and Tile Works, Weeley (EHER 15504)

Smith's Brick and Tile Works, north of railway and north east of railway station. The principal site was east of The Street but there was a brickfield immediately opposite on the west side of The Street. It was operated between around 1845 to 1903.

Smith's Brick and Tile Works, north of railway and north east of Weeley Railway Station. The principal site was east of The Street but there was a brickfield immediately opposite on the west side of The Street. It was operated between around 1845 to 1903 by John Smith, around 1840's to late 1860's including partnership with Amos Smith, by 1859 to mid 1860's. Peter Smith by 1870 to around 1886. Clement Smith around 1886 to 1903. The products were red bricks, tiles, drain pipes, drain tiles chimney pots and payments. Further Information: John Smith was also a farmer. The 1862 and 1867 Directories states: "In this parish is an extensive brick and tile manufactory carried on by Messrs. Smith". In the 1870's there were two kilns and other associated buildings. In 1873 Mrs Jane Smith owned 1a. Or. Op. of land in Weeley and Peter Smith owned 8a. 2r. 2p. Peter Smith lived at Weeley House which was north of the brick and tile works. In around 1898 Clement Smith was also a brickmaker at Wix. In 1903 he sold his brickworks at Weeley which consisted of 7 acres and a brick kiln with a capacity of 25,000 bricks. Site Assessment: The site of the former brick and tile works east of The Street is now developed with bungalows in the present Willow Walk, Second Avenue and Thornberry Avenue where no evidence of the former industry survives. The site west of The Street is mainly bisected by the main A133 road to Clacton-on-Sea. The wide greensward either side of this road has not been developed. No archaeological remains are expected to survive. <1> Additional references <2> <3> <4> <5>