Edmund Cullimore

Thornbury Brick and Tile Works

Brick and Tile Works - in 1900 Edmund Cullimore embarked on another business venture, opening the Thornbury Brick and Tile Works on land in Gillingstool, to the east of the Baptist Church.  We don't know a great deal about the brickworks and would like to hear from anyone who knows more.  The only photograph we have is the one below which shows the brickworks buildings in the background. 

A Gazette newspaper article dated 4th October 1913 shows that it struggled in the early years and was allowed to lapse.  Edmund re-opened it again about 1911 and this time it was more successful.  It was being managed by a Mr Morgan at the time of the 1913 article.  We understand the works specialised in the manufacture of roof tiles, drainage pipes and the distinctive yellow coloured bricks which can still be seen in Thornbury.  The clay for the manufacture of the products was taken from a large pit adjoining the works.

Click on thumbnail map dated 1921 on the right to see an image of where the works was situated.  The map also shows the group of 5 cottages which were built at the bottom of Gillingstool Hill to provide accommodation for the workers.  Another two cottages were added in 1933. 

A Gazette article dated 17th July 1948 reports on a major fire at the brickworks where a large drying shed caught fire and a lot of damage was caused throughout the plant.  The reports mentions that another drying shed had burnt down in February 1947. 

We are not sure when the brickworks closed but the buildings were demolished and removed about 1960.  The clay pit was filled in and is now covered by the grassed area adjoining Oakleaze Road.

This page was last updated: 03/01/2010