These two bricks or drains were found at the Old Muirhouselaw Brick and Tile Works, Scottish Borders.
Each shows evidence of having been lifted with a single or a double-pronged lifting tool.
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Found by Ian Suddaby on the River Leven at Dumbarton. This example is not in my possession. Ian states – This extruded red brick has been handled using a three-pronged tool. The impression of the frame is also clear enough, usually only the prong marks can be seen. I’ve highlighted the shape in the photo. The…
Found by Ian Suddaby at the site of the old Hilton Brickworks, Alloa. This example is not in my possession. The manufacturer is unknown but there is every chance it was manufactured at the Hilton Works. Ian states – It looks like somebody trod on it whilst it was drying and split the fabric. It’s also…
This unmarked red clay brick was found by Ian Suddaby and is interesting for several reasons. Ian states:- Below – 1852 – 1853 – What appears to be a row of Gunpowder Mills are shown in 1853 alongside the Gore Water at Gorebridge in Midlothian, Scotland. Down in the river, an impressive sandstone wall with…
Found by Michael Fallone in the Glasgow area. This brick may have been used as a land drainage ’tile’ or its a brick for internal walls. Note the ribbing to the exterior and interior and also there are possible lifting tool marks. The manufacturer is unknown but the find location would suggest Scottish origins but…
This brick was found at the Whitrigbog Brick and Tile Works, St Boswells, Scottish Borders. The brick is believed to have been manufactured on-site. A 3 pronged tool has been used. The 3 holes are approx. 1 1/4″ deep. The centre of the left to the centre of the right measures 6 1/4″ making the…
Found in Scotland but the exact location is unknown. Unidentified maker. The find location would suggest Scottish origins. 8 cored red clay brick with lifting tool marks. This is unusual in that the lifting tool is not designed to fit into the brick cores. The tool looks to be made from 2 flat and narrow…
Found in a layby near Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway. Unidentified manufacturer. Find location would suggest Scottish origins. The 2 lifting tool mark holes are 2 1/4″ inches apart. The left one penetrates to a depth of 2″ and the right one to a depth of 1 3/4″. There is also just below the marks either…
Found at Dryburgh Farm, Scottish Borders. Manufacturer unknown. 2 bricks that have 12 square holes running lengthways. Holes 1 and 3 in the second row of each brick appears to have been penetrated by a 2 pronged lifter. . Below – One brick laid flat and the other on its side. Below – Both bricks…
Found The Hothouse at Ramshead Walled Garden, Caldwell House, Uplawmoor, East Renfrewshire. Note the middle line of cores. Holes 1, 3, 4 and 6 appear to have had some sort of 4 pronged lifting device inserted. It may have also been lifted from the other side as the same holes look slightly misshapen. It is unlikely…
Found by Ian Suddaby – “An interesting oversized brick found by the river in Brechin, Angus. It’s been stabbed twice using two different pronged tools and the side shows closely spaced wavy lines which could be fabric marks but could also be from the machine extruder.” . . . .
