Brick production dates back to 1933 when a rich seam of Weald Clay had been discovered. In 1945 the company was sold to the London Brick Company. Production increased, in part to the housing boom of the 50’s, and during the 60’s the site was rebuilt to cope with the increased demand. The London Brick Company was acquired by Hanson PLC in the 1980’s. In 2000, Clock House was said to be Hanson Brick’s main soft mud production site, producing around 42 million bricks per year. Due to the global financial crisis of 2008, the building industry suffered a severe decline and the nationwide demand for bricks plummeted and in 2009 it was announced that the plant was to close. The site currently remains empty and awaits redevelopment.
In 1992, the brick pit became a Site of Special Scientific Interest under the Geological Conservation Rule because of the many palaeoenvironments observed in the Weald Clay. There are many fossils of insects and reptiles dating back to our tropical past.
This was my first industrial explore, completely different atmosphere to my others but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gerry ( husband ) and Dave ( friend ) accompanied me and were there to help me get my leg over
The production site is huge with loads to see. I liked the yellow, blue and green colours of the machinery inside, plus the blue with corroded brown outside.
The inside of the kilns were eerie lit up by our torches, with the atmosphere of a horror movie. Hope you enjoy the photos - a combination of all 3 of us.
The rocket shot
Cool corrosion.
Spooky kilns.
Dave's piece de resistance to finish.
Thanks for looking.
In 1992, the brick pit became a Site of Special Scientific Interest under the Geological Conservation Rule because of the many palaeoenvironments observed in the Weald Clay. There are many fossils of insects and reptiles dating back to our tropical past.
This was my first industrial explore, completely different atmosphere to my others but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Gerry ( husband ) and Dave ( friend ) accompanied me and were there to help me get my leg over
The production site is huge with loads to see. I liked the yellow, blue and green colours of the machinery inside, plus the blue with corroded brown outside.
The inside of the kilns were eerie lit up by our torches, with the atmosphere of a horror movie. Hope you enjoy the photos - a combination of all 3 of us.
The rocket shot
Cool corrosion.
Spooky kilns.
Dave's piece de resistance to finish.
Thanks for looking.