Well here we go, first stab at this report malarky
History
The original brickworks opened in1897 by the village then known as Wooten Pillinge. In 1937 the village was renamed Stewartby after the Stewart family who were heavily involved with the development of the works. Stewartby was the largest brick factory in the world (based on output at approximately 18 million brick at the height of the works use). The site was forced to close in 2008 as the owners Hanson (mmm bop) were unable to bring the sulpher dioxide emissions into check despite spending a fair wedge trying. Upon closure the factory chimneys were due to be demolished but were given a reprieve and have been listed for preservation.
The visit
As my friend had been previously I followed her lead and access was very simple and we walked straight towards the buildings. We were left completely to our exploration despite my thinking we would be kicked out fairly quickly. Possibly being over cautious we avoided some areas as getting injured first time out would have been a real bummer. We did hit a small issue with leaving the site as the hole we came in through had been Haras fenced and they'd dug a huge mound of earth up against it. My friend went all ninja on me and before I'd packed the camera away was off to hatch an escape plan. Back at the car we were both buzzing having thoroughly enjoyed the experience
History
The original brickworks opened in1897 by the village then known as Wooten Pillinge. In 1937 the village was renamed Stewartby after the Stewart family who were heavily involved with the development of the works. Stewartby was the largest brick factory in the world (based on output at approximately 18 million brick at the height of the works use). The site was forced to close in 2008 as the owners Hanson (mmm bop) were unable to bring the sulpher dioxide emissions into check despite spending a fair wedge trying. Upon closure the factory chimneys were due to be demolished but were given a reprieve and have been listed for preservation.
The visit
As my friend had been previously I followed her lead and access was very simple and we walked straight towards the buildings. We were left completely to our exploration despite my thinking we would be kicked out fairly quickly. Possibly being over cautious we avoided some areas as getting injured first time out would have been a real bummer. We did hit a small issue with leaving the site as the hole we came in through had been Haras fenced and they'd dug a huge mound of earth up against it. My friend went all ninja on me and before I'd packed the camera away was off to hatch an escape plan. Back at the car we were both buzzing having thoroughly enjoyed the experience
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