As the only remaining steam-powered Victorian-era brickworks in the country, one of the most important features of our museum is, of course, the steam engines.

This single cylinder horizontal steam engine (left) made by John Wood and Sons of Wigan was actually the second engine to be brought by the Brickworks. In 1903, the newly-renamed Bursledon Brick Company was able to expand and establish their second block of buildings to the north of the main site, as seen in the photo below right. This expansion was likely thanks to both the abundance of clay in this area as well as the strong transport links.

The Brickworks in the early 1900s, taken from the South

When this engine, which powered the Northern Plant, was installed, the Brickworks had direct links to road, rail, and boat transportation, making the movement of bricks incredibly efficient and convenient. Who could resist such a service!

We run our steam engines regularly and our next Museum in Steam event is on August 14th. Why not pop down to see this magnificent piece of Britain’s industrial past at work!

This blog was written by Museum Volunteer Molly Hunter.