Jarvis Brickworks at Clare c 1904
Clare Brick Works

W G Jarvis

Clare Brickworks

C J Pankhurst traced the origins of this brickyard to 1892.

However, the website of the Clare Latch Company states that

"One of the first forges on record was established in the 1830’s by John Jarvis, a founder of the brick makers known as Jarvis (William George & Son). Built to manufacture his Clare Jarvis bricks, the forge was in operation until 1914. Located along Cavendish Road, (? ed) where the Forge House is now situated, it was shut down during the First World War due to the worry that the kilns would attract the attention of enemy soldiers and raiders. Though this was intended to be a temporary closure, the brick works never opened up again after the war."


Clare Brickworks close-up in 1904
 		This map shows that the brickworks stands on what is now called Bridewell Street, up to Snow Hill.

Suffolk Heritage Explorer monument record CLA 050 048
 		The Suffolk Heritage Explorer records Jarvis's Brickworks as "Clare Brickworks (and kilns), 1892-1916, marked on early 20th century maps. Now partly built over. Operated by William George Jarvis 1892-1916."

Sample of Clare red brick
 		This sample of a brick by W G Jarvis's Clare works is courtesy of Martyn Fretwell.

Sample of Clare Fixing brick
 		In his advertisement, W G Jarvis talks of his "Patent Fixing Bricks". These were said to replace any wooden bricks used hitherto, and avoided the need to plug existing walls. He claimed that nails and screws could be used just as if the brick was made of wood. They were cheaper than using a wooden brick.

This sample of a fixing brick by W G Jarvis's Clare works is courtesy of Martyn Fretwell.


W G Jarvis advertisement, 1880s
 		Summary of the owners or managers

  • 1830 to ???? .. John Jarvis
  • 1892 to 1916 .. W G Jarvis

This article was compiled by David Addy based upon material from "The British Brick Society" .

https://www.suffolklatchcompany.com/blogs/news/clare-town-industrial-pioneer-or-tourist-town
Suffolk Heritage Explorer Reference ELV 174 and ELV 008
Suffolk Review, Vol 5, 1980 - 1988 on ‘Suffolk Brickmaking’ by Robert Malster. (Suffolk Local History Council, Summer 1983, Vol 5, No 4).
Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society newsletter No 21 September, 1988, "Brick Kilns in Suffolk" by C J Pankhurst
Website - David Kitching's website - Brick Section
Website - Martyn Fretwell's blog on bricks etc
Photos of bricks by Martyn Fretwell unless stated.
Page created on 14th October, 2023

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