Monument record MWX3071 - Brickyard, Brownsea Island, Studland

An area of ponds and pits into the hillside indicates the position of clay pits, a brickyard and pier on the north coast of the Island. This area was called the Seymour pit district in sale particulars from 1859. Seven circular brick walls, each around three metres in diameter, mark the position of clay shafts.

Brickyard on Brownsea Island. An area of ponds and pits into the hillside indicate the position of clay pits, a brickyard and pier on the north coast of the Island. (1)

<1> Papworth, M, 1992, Brownsea Island, Dorset. Wessex region, 112, 087 (Unpublished document). SWX1390.

An area of ponds and excavations into the hillside indicate the position of clay pits, a brick yard and pier on the north coast of Brownsea Island called Seymour pit district in the 1859 sales particulars (DCRO photocopy 167). Seven circular brick walls approximately 3m dia. mark the position of clay shafts. They are described by Brannon in 1857. “At the foot of the ascent a great quantity of clay has been excavated; at this place it is got out from perpendicular shafts, about 75feet deep, and 12 to 15 feet square. The clay to this depth is a solid mass, varying in depth perhaps a little irregularly but in the following order from the top: strong brown clay for stone ware; white clay becoming yellow on the surface after exposure to the atmosphere, but which would make good white ware; fine strong clay stained with mottled colours; a fine blue of porcelain clay etc” (Legg 1986 p32). The 1859 map also shows that this was the terminal of the tramway 112553 which led to the Little and Large potteries (112088, 112089). It was in use until 1887. Visited 2/3/1988.

Record last edited

Oct 5 2021 10:31AM