Brick and Tile

By the 19th century, the principal employer in Bridgwater was the brick and tile industry. By 1850, there were 16 brickyards along the river, on both sides of the town bridge, with others at Combwich and inland. The main firms were Sealys, Colthurst and Symons, Barham Brothers and John Browne/Somerset Trading Company. Brick and tile was transported to the Americas, North Africa and France. Another product was the Bath Brick, which was a scouring brick for cutlery and other metalwork, made out of a slimy and sandy river sediment. It was exported all over the world. The majority of Bridgwater museum’s brick and tile collection is held at the Somerset Brick And Tile Museum in Bridgwater, where the visitor, along with brick and tiles, will find a large range of tools used in the manufacture of brick and tile products. The brick kiln has been preserved and is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Visitors are able to see what it would have been like working the kiln.

Somerset Brick and Tile Museum East Quay Bridgwter TA6 4DB Tel: 01278 426088. Opening Times Tuesday - 10.00am to 4.00pm Thursday - 10.00am to 4.00pm There is a small car park on site.