Avoncrook Tile and Brick Works, Crawhill, Torphichen, West Lothian possibly aka Crawhill. (Note – SBH – Please read this along with the page for the Wallhouse Brick and Tile Works as I believe they may be one of the same or perhaps their locations were within 100 yards of each other. John Alexander operated both. Personally, I believe they are the same location but the works changed names in c. 1860 from Wallhouse to Avoncrook Brick and Tile Works).
16/08/1860 – Falkirk Herald – Tilework in Linlithgowshire to let. The Avoncrook Tile and Brick Works situated on the farm of Crawhill about a mile west of the village of Torphichen will be let for such a number of years as may be agreed upon. The Works are compact and newly erected and are fitted with steam machinery on the most recently approved principles. There is a Station on the Bathgate and Slamannan Railway about 1/2 a mile from the Works …
01/07/1863 – North British Agriculturist – Tilework and sawmill on the estate of Avoncrook to let. The Avoncrook Tileworks and sawmill situated about four miles from Linlithgow, three from Bathgate and half a mile from the Westfield Siding of the Monklands Railway. The works have recently been erected and are fitted with an eight horsepower steam engine, West’s plugging and making machine, kilns, sheds &c and are at present in full operation. The circular sawmill is also new and well-appointed. Along with the works, there will be let about 12 acres of land and three good cottages for workmen. Also, if desired, the mansion house of Crawhill with office and garden attached. The works may be seen by application to the manager there and the conditions of the lease are in the hands of Messrs Glen & Henderson, writers, Linlithgow, who will receive offers until 24th July. Linlithgow June 25, 1863.
Below – 06/03/1875 – The Scotsman – Avoncrook Tileworks for let. Late tenant, Magnus Aitken.
05/07/1875 – The original full lease between Henry Cadell Esquire of Grange and Avoncrook and Mr Robert Neill of Avoncrook Tilework. Its includes … “the houses, sheds kilns and machinery, sawmill, bench, shed, land and stance of work and houses called and commonly known as Avoncrook Tilework, all as lately wrought by and in the occupation of Magnus Aitken as tenant thereof … a fixed money rent of £40 sterling and a royalty or lordship of one sixteen part of the price or prices at which the article made or manufactured at said tileworks shall be sold or otherwise disposed of at the kilns or works … the said Robert Neill binds and obliges himself and his aforesaid to keep regular and distinct business books in connection with the said tilework in which they shall enter daily and accurately, accounts of the sales and disposal of all articles manufactured thereat – and report same to the said Henry Cadell and his foresaid at four times in each year … further, the said Robert Neill hereby binds and obliges himself and his aforesaid that in digging the clay in the said field as well as in the land hereby let, the surface earth, when removed, shall be laid aside and as soon as the clay is taken out, he shall be bound so far as practicable to fill up the whole and level the surface by replacing the soil so taken off and otherwise restore the said land to an arable state as for for all farm operations as it was before being broken up. Declaring always that in digging for said clay the said Robert Neill shall be bound as he hereby binds and obliges himself and his aforesaid to do so by a trench never at any point exceeding ten yards in breadth and shall be bound to fill up and restore to an arable state all land beyond this breadth so far as is practicable …
1886 – John Alexander & Sons, brick and tile maker, Nethermuir and Avoncrook, Bathgate. (Page 942).
24/11/1888 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – Will the Caledonian Railway really come? When Dr Wilson at the Combe Lecture last Wednesday gave an illustration as if the Caledonian as well as the N.B. Railway were actually here, the applause showed the old eager desire for such a consummation. It is curious that we hear again a rumour that the Caledonian have been measuring near Crawhill Brickworks, having a new line in their eye to come by way of Bathgate. It is said that Mr Stewart of the Westfield Works, and others, are anxious for it. Our Bathgate Commissioners should petition.
Below – 1896 – The area in which the Avoncrook Brick and Tile Works was probably located.
1907 – Robert Neil, Brickworks, Crawhill, Bathgate.
(Note – SBH – I am confused by the above in that Neil takes over in 1875. Alexander appears to be involved in 1886 and then Neil again in 1907 – if this is all the same works?)
Found by Ian Suddaby adjacent to the Wallhouse Brick and Tile Works. This example is not in my possession. The manufacturer is unknown but it may have been manufactured on site. Wallhouse Brick and Tile Works, Torphichen, West Lothian. Ian states – This brick was found in the Brunton Burn just to the north of the…
Westfield Brickworks, Westfield, West Lothian. (Note – SBH – So where exactly were these works situated? There is a suggestion that they were located on the same site as the Craigrigg Brickworks but references below seem to suggest they were situated at Westfield village). 04/08/1961 – West Lothian Courier – Westfield man fined for theft ……
Cowdenhill Brickworks, Cowdenhill, Glasgow … That extensive brickfield known as the Cowdenhill Brickfield is situated on the North Bank of the Forth and Clyde Canal about 4 miles West of Glasgow … (See below). Below – 1859 – A map showing the relationship between Cowdenhill on the right and the Blairdardie/Garscadden Brickworks on the left….
c. 1962 – The mine was started by John G Stein and Co to produce fireclay for the Manuel Works at Whitecross. 11/09/1964 – West Lothian Courier – John G Stein and Co Ltd, Wallhouse Clay Mine, Torphichen. Mine roadsmen are required for clay mine. Bus fares are subsidised. Baths available. Apply to the manager….
05/1923 – The shaft to source the clay at Manuel was started. 25/12/1923 – The clay is reached. This clay was high in alumina at 42% and would herald the arrival of the ‘Nettle’ brand. (Note – SBH – I believe this was a mine to establish the quality of the clay and once ascertained…
Canmore Nethermuir or Netherwood. Below 1854 – 1855 – Nethermuir Brickworks. 1878 – John Alexander, brick and tile maker, Nethermuir and Broompark, Bathgate and Cowdenhill Blairdarty by Duntocher. 01/12/1883 – Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser – An article on a disputed right of way from Torphichen to the Nethermuir Tileworks. 1886 – John Alexander & Sons,…
Wallhouse Brick and Tile Works, Torphichen, West Lothian. (Note – SBH – Please read this along with the page for the Avoncrook Brick and Tile Works as I believe they may be one of the same or perhaps their locations were within 100 yards of each other. John Alexander operated both. Personally, I believe they…
Canmore – A large brick and tile works consisting of three long drying sheds and two large kilns. A 10 h.p. steam engine is used in the manufacture. The clay pits lie to the west (one is shown at NS 9670 7187) and the clay is conveyed to the sheds by a small iron tramway….
