Forum Topic

Burnt brick in garden walls

I have noticed that a number of front garden walls around Little Ealing school seem to be constructed of chunks of burnt brick which has been mortared together. Does anyone know why this material was used - was there a big fire nearby which this all came from?

Matt Prior ● 4001d4 Comments

These bricks formed part of a stack.The aim was to burn these bricks to the same level to maximize the useful output. Some however were nearer the fire at the centre of the stack and were "overcooked", melted and fused together.

Arthur Breens ● 3995d

I asked my dad about these (60 years ago),he said they were "cinder blocks", the bit in a gasworks that didn't give off gas or burn but melted and were as tough as granite when cooled, I suppose they were glad to get rid of them, I'm glad they did,they look characterful to me.

Tony Wood ● 4000d

These bricks have probably been salvaged from the numerous chimney breasts and stacks that have been removed from many properties over the years.

John Colgan ● 4000d

No big fires to my recollection. More likely to have been salvaged from local bomb sites in the vicinity such as block of shops North of South Ealing Station and demolition of 5 houses at junction of Temple Road and Creighton. I recall my father 'scrounging' some bricks to repair damage to our shop.  All legit - the authorities were glad to get rid of it!  Many bricks would have been scorched or fused together by the explosive heat

roy bartlett ● 4000d