Information for record number MWA7038:
Fenny Compton Tunnel Brickyard or Brickworks

Summary Victorian Brickworks set up by the Oxford Canal Company. A brick kiln, brickyard and associated features was in use between 1840 and 1917. The site is 1.8km east of Fenny Compton.
What Is It?  
Type: Brick Kiln, Kiln, Brickyard
Period: Imperial - Industrial (1751 AD - 1913 AD)
Where Is It?  
Parish: Fenny Compton
District: Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 43 52
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection National - Old SMR PrefRef (Grade: )
Sites & Monuments Record
Picture(s) attached

  
Description

  
Source Number  

1 19th century brick kiln adjacent to the canal. Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society have carried out extensive documentary research.
2 A brickyard was built here to exploit the clay produced by the building of the Fenny Compton Tunnel (PRN4371). A kiln was built in 1840-1 and continued production until 1917. The remains of the kiln are extant.
3 Images received from WIAS, via John Brace.
4 One of several places where the Oxford canal Company manufactured bricks, pipes etc. for both their own use and for sale to others. This works is special for it reused the clay spoil from the adjacent cutting. The first record of brick making here is from 1829 with the present kiln dating from 1841. By 1915 the clay spoil from the cutting was almost exhausted and the works closed soon after. It apparently re opened as the Tunnel Brick and Tile Works some time later but very little is known of this venture. The principal remaining feature is the Intermittent Downdraft kiln (13x6x3½m high) which was cleaned and recorded by the Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society in the decade from 1990. Also to be found is an incline leading to the canal towpath and worked by a small hand winch. Presently (2013) an attempt is being made, by the 'Fenny Compton kiln Preservation Trust', to restore/preserve the kiln.
 
Sources
Source No: 2
Source Type: Article in serial
Title: The Fenny Compton Tunnel, Oxford Canal
Author/originator: John Selby
Date: 2002
Page Number: 103-117
Volume/Sheet: XXIV
   
Source No: 4
Source Type: Correspondence
Title: Information on the Fenny Compton Tunnel Brickyard or Brickworks
Author/originator: Brace J
Date: 2013
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 3
Source Type: Photograph
Title: Digital copies of Photographs/Map of Fenny Compton Brickworks
Author/originator: Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society
Date: 2000
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Unpublished document
Title: Unpublished document
Author/originator: Hodgson J C
Date: 1993
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
Plan of Brick Kiln, Fenny Compton
Copyright: Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society
Date: 2012
Click here for larger image  
 
Photographs of The Tunnel Brickworks, Fenny Compton
Copyright: Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society
Click here for larger image  
 
Map of Tunnel Brickworks, Fenny Compton
Copyright: Warwickshire Industrial Archaeology Society
Click here for larger image  
 
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
period Imperial 1751 AD to 1914 AD (end of the 18th century AD to the beginning of the 20th century AD)

This period comes after the Post Medieval period and before the modern period and starts with beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. It includes the second part of the Hannoverian period (1714 – 1836) and the Victorian period (1837 – 1901). The Imperial period ends with the start of the First World War in 1914.
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monument TILE WORKS * A site used for all the processes associated with the manufacture of roof, floor or decorative tiles. back
monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument BRICKWORKS * An industrial manufacturing complex producing bricks. back
monument KILN * A furnace or oven for burning, baking or drying. Use specific type where known. back
monument BUILDING * A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known. back
monument CANAL * An artificial navigable waterway used for the transportation of goods. Nowadays also used for recreational purposes. back
monument TUNNEL * An underground channel with a vaulted roof. Use specific type where known. back
monument FEATURE * Areas of indeterminate function. back
monument INDUSTRIAL * This is the top term for the class. See INDUSTRIAL Class List for narrow terms. back
monument BRICK KILN * A kiln or furnace for the firing of bricks. back
monument BRICKYARD * Small scale enterprise producing bricks but not at the same site as the extraction of clay. back
monument WINCH * A stationary hoisting machine consisting of a rotating drum around which a cable, rope or chain is attached. back
monument WORKS * Usually a complex of buildings for the processing of raw materials. Use specific type where known. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record