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″
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Below – Some bricks were also stamped drain as in this example. Some fascinating info from Arthur Brickman: “Although I’m unable to identify the manufacturer of this particular brick, I can add some background information. Until 1850 a tax was paid on all bricks used for property building, however, those used for infrastructure products were exempt. To avoid tax liability in such cases, the manufacturer’s marked their drainage bricks accordingly and this would be one such example. However, I have encountered similar items in building footings, particularly on colliery sites. No doubt once the structure was complete the offending items would have been concealed, and a saving on its overall cost achieved at the expense of the Exchequer!”
Below – A brick stamped ‘dreain’ (drain) found at Pocklington, Yorkshire. (Note – SBH – This may well be a misspelling but it is also believed that this spelling for ‘drain’ may have been used often in the Yorkshire area).
(Note – SBH – Solid bricks have been found stamped ‘drain’. These must have been used to perhaps form inspection chambers or possibly laid in such a way as to form a channel for water between them … or of course this may have been the stipulated use but never the actual and stamping such bricks was just a ruse to avoid paying the brick tax).
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…
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 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 .
Found by Brian Wardell at Eshott. These examples were found on the site of the old Eshott Brick and Tile Works, Northumbria. Apparently, they did not make bricks for very long due to firing problems – the examples below confirm the problems. . . . . Below – Deep floor tile example 9″ x 9″…
