During groundworks in March 2018 at The Manuel Works, Whitecross, several piles of what appears to be grog (Ground up firebricks) were uncovered.
Gordon Wyle kindly obtained a sample of each for me.
The piles are located in the area of the attached aerial view map.
Ex-employees at the works confirm that this is where the grinding mill was situated which pulverised fire bricks into grog.
Grog is crushed firebrick. This is added to unfired fire clay mixes prior to the actual moulding of new firebricks. It is added to control the drying and firing behaviour of new bricks.
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The following refractory castable test samples were found during ground works at the Manuel Brickworks, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby and myself. These laboratory test samples are cement-based and have been marked with a marker type pen. Below – The cut edge of each sample. Below – some close up photographs of the cut edge. ….
Found on the site of the old Manuel Brickworks, Whitecross. Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister Works, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire This solid metal stamping plate is about 1 inch thick. It has two threaded screw holes to…
Found on the site of the old Manuel Works, Whitecross. The manufacturer of this brick is unknown but it is highly likely it was made at the Manuel Works. Note the fingerprints. 18 or 81? The bricks found so far weigh between 3.1 and 3.5kg . . . . . Below – The same brick…
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…
1887 – John G Stein took on a 21-year lease for the fireclay at Milnquarter and opened the Milnquarter Fireclay Mine. 25/04/1888 – Work starts on the foundations for the brick stove. c. 06/1888 – John G Stein forms a partnership with Malcolm Cockburn to proceed with the building of the Milnquarter Brickworks. c. 09/1888…
The following steel/iron spheres were found following groundworks taking place at the Manuel Works, Whitecross. Charlie Sim states – ” those iron balls were for the Johnson ball mills there were 4 of these, 2 in each mill shed. They were the final process on the crushing lines and pulverised and heated the bauxite aluminium…
These two balls were found at the Manuel Works, Whitecross during ground levelling activities. They measure 9″ in diameter which is about ¼” larger than a football. Many thanks to Alex Steven and Harry Wilson for the following information. Harry – These balls are probably slag retention balls which were made at Manuel of magnesite…
While walking over the Manuel Works, Whitecross, Gordon and Hazel Wyle we found 2 soggy A4 pages of typed paper. On closer inspection, it was a quality complaint from B.S.C Aldwarke dated 06/05/1981. Aldwarke appears to have purchased 4 tonnes of Alicem 80 for use in ladles and jointing Sillmax 63D bricks. Staff at GR-Stein…
Manuel Works, Whitecross, Linlithgow, Stirlingshire. Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister Works, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. Below – Brick sign at the entrance to the works. Canmore Information by David Leask Information – Falkirk Community Trust. 02/1928 –…
