These pencil or whistle drains were found by Ian Suddaby.
They were found in 2003 at Longhaven near Peterhead. Cruden Bay Brick and Tile Works was a few miles away but where the pipes were made is unknown.
Although they did not contain water when found in the autumn, the drains appeared to be unblocked. It is thought, that in these very narrow drains, the water flow may thus be faster than in a ‘normal’ sized drain and thus not as prone to blocking with silt etc.
The tiles measure approx 12″ long x 1″ inside diameter and 1½” outside diameter although all these measurements can vary by a good 1/8″ depending on where you measure.
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“The Industrial Archaeology of Farming in England and Wales” by Nigel Harvey … “Pipes of 1” diameter, the smallest used, can also be dated within two or three decades for they provide an interesting relic of technical failure. They were produced in the belief that a small bore would increase the speed of the water flowing through them and so keep them clear. Unfortunately, the engineers had underestimated the drag factor, which slowed the movement of the water and therefore increased the rate of accumulation of silt until the pipes choked. The period when these “pencil pipes” were used, therefore, was short from the 1840s to the 1870s when they were finally abandoned.”
These are in the possession of Ian Suddaby and were found in the Alloa area. Unidentified manufacturer but is very likely to be Scottish product. Ian states – Still in the Alloa area, this remarkable horseshoe field drain and the sole (or base plate) that it rested on were found yesterday. Both are stamped DRAIN and…
This example is in the possession of Ian Suddaby. Found in Edinburgh on the site of an Iron Foundry built in about 1867. Ian states – An almost complete 8″ internal diameter glazed pipe made by Hurll, Young & Co at Heathfield Fireclay Works near Glasgow. This pipe was shortened in antiquity so it could fit…
The following information is from Ian Suddaby. Ian states – This very unusual drain was seen near Edinburgh. It’s unusual because it’s made from two U-shaped or horseshoe drains, one upside down in the base and one the right way up on top. This clearly increases the capacity but has its problems. It’s also unusual…
The following information is from Ian Suddaby. Ian states – In the field next to a dilapidated Nissen Hut near Edinburgh, Scotland were rather more interesting field drains. It might be early July but mud is still in abundance. A very unusual collection drain in a pre-existing ditch has field clearance filled stone drains and…
Found by Geoff Hancock at Raws Farm, near Sandford, Strathaven, South Lanarkshire. The drain is ribbed and of the socket and spigot variety. It is approx. 18″ long. . . . . . . . .
Found in Northumbria by Kevin Monaghan. Maker unknown but presumed to be English. Horseshoe drain . . . .
Found at Eshott, Northumbria by Brian Wardell. Horseshoe drainage tile marked ‘Drain’. It was marked ‘drain’ to ensure it avoided the brick tax and thus can be dated 1826 – 1850. Measuring 12″ x 5″ x 5″ . . . Below – Some bricks were also stamped drain as in this example. Some fascinating info…
Found Bo’ness. Unidentified ‘drainage brick’ or simply a ‘hollow’ brick for building internal walls. . . . Below – 9″ x 3″ x 3″ with 2 x 1 1/4″ square holes .
