Port Walton Brick and Tile Works, High Tree Lane (EHER 15516)

Port Walton brick and tile works, on High Tree Lane on the northern side of Walton-on-the-Naze. The works were operational from the 1880s to the early 1900s producing bricks and tile. Some bricks and tiles made here were transported away via Port Said Wharf, Walton Channel and the North Sea.

Port Walton Brick and Tile Works were in High Tree Lane on the northern side of Walton-on-the-Naze. The works were situated north of the junction of Hall Lane with Naze Park Road and east of Walton Channel and dated from the 1880s to the early 1900s producing bricks and tile. Philip Brannon was manager of the Port Walton Brick and Tile Co. from its opening during the 1880's until the early 1890's. Donald MacKenzie and Son were operating the Port Walton Brickworks by 1894 until about 1902. Use of Products: The development of the Naze Park Estate which began in the 1880s including Hygeia Lodge which was the main house on the estate and was occupied by Philip Brannon. The brickwork in Highcliff Mansion which was built in a half timbered style by Philip Brannon in the late 1880s on the cliff top at the Naze. Further Information: The brick earth and strong clay at Port Walton Brick and Tile Works was manufactured into good quality bricks and tiles. Some bricks and tiles made here were transported away via Port Said Wharf, Walton Channel and the North Sea. Port Said Wharf was also known as the Foundry Dock after Warner’s Iron Foundry which stood between the wharf and brickworks. Hall Lane as then called Foundry Lane but has now reverted to Hall Lane. The Naze Park Estate was developed on land owned by Sir John Johnson and was commenced during the 1880’s. The architect and civil engineer responsible for the development was Philip Brannon, who acted as the estate agent. Donald MacKenzie and Son operated these brickworks latterly. There were two rectangular kilns here. Site Assessment: The ground on which the old brickworks stood has since become a camping site. There is a possibility of archaeological remains below ground level. The former dock west of the brickworks and foundry has been filled in but otherwise it apparently survives. Field visit in first instance with follow-on intrusive works on site of buildings and features if warranted. Refs: Essex Directories, 1886, 1890, 1894, 1898 and 1902 OS 25 inch 2nd Edition. 1897 (sheet XXXIX..3.) Walton-on-the- Naze in old picture postcards, by Bernard J Norman, 1983. Frinton and Walton – A Pictorial History by Norman Jacobs, 1995. <1>