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 4″ high clay horseshoe drains feeding into it. Usually, the flow from the stone drains just seeps into the larger drains whereas the clay drains physically link with the contemporary main drain system. Here, both flows seep through small stones but it is the collection drain that holds the main interest.
Stone slabs form the base and on them are parallel rows of 5″ high horseshoe drains with a second layer of stone slabs on top. A single row of 6″ diameter horseshoe pipes rests on the second layer of stone slabs.
This isn’t an arrangement I’ve seen before and it’s one with a few problems. As the pipes don’t fit well, all three rows of drains are almost completely blocked with either waterlogged silt or soil and the uneven pressure exerted by the stone slabs has caused almost all of the lower tier of drains to crack or collapse.
This is likely to be another example of agricultural innovation during the Improvements, c.1750-1850. Drainpipe maker is unknown.
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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…
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….
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 .
