Brickmaking

Most villages have a history of local brickmaking and Clophill is no exception. Before the time of the internal combustion engine the only means of local transport was horse-drawn. Bricks are heavy and are required in large quantities to build a house. It was much more economical to make bricks locally with the best materials that could be found. Although Clophill nestles below the Greensand Ridge there is overlying clay to the north.

Cox, Alan in his book "A Survey of Bedfordshire Brickmaking: A History and Gazetteer" identifies two sites for kilns to the north of Clophill

First Kiln

"Tile and possible brick kiln north of village, to north of Kiln Farm.

Exact location unknown and may have been more than one site at different times.

Date: Probably in existence by 1619 and continued until at least 1691, and possibly until 1740 or later. "

Second Kiln

"Brick kiln to north of main village, at Kiln Farm. National Grid Reference: TL 083 386.

Date: Not shown on map of 1716. May have been in existence by 1740s. Shown on maps of late 18th century and 1826. May have been operating until at least 1850."