NZ1763 : Cowen firebrick and iron slag, Blaydon Burn
taken 13 years ago, near to Blaydon, Gateshead, England
Cowen's bricks were made from fireclay which is an alumino-silicate mineral found below the coal measures of the Carboniferous Millstone-grit series. Several of the coal mines in the valley produced large quantities of fireclay and the high percentages of silica and low level of impurities, made the bricks particularly suitable for iron, glass and lead making. In 1896 about 6 million firebricks were being made at Blaydon Burn every year, particularly for foreign and colonial exports Link
Archive LinkThe simple 'COWEN' stamp was used prior to 1926. Other Cowen bricks made later than this are shown here NZ1762 : Detail of former reservoir wall, Blaydon Burn and NZ1265 : 'Cowen M England' firebrick, Close House
Other makes of firebricks can also be found in and around the burn and associated with former buildings. Those marked 'Lily' were made at a later date at a yard in High Spen.
Local coal was used for steel production which may have been the source of the slag. One particular site in the valley was just upstream from here, at Massey's Forge NZ1763 : Site of Massey's Forge, Blaydon Burn
Fragments of black-lead crucibles, associated with an early form of steel making, were found in the excavation of Massey’s Forge in 1982.
The Cowen Brick - probably the best brick in the world Link
Archive LinkFrom the C19th industrial development expanded rapidly along the Blaydon Burn to include a number of industries related to the processing of coal. The supply of cheap local fuel and good transport links led to the development of coke works, steelworks, iron foundries and brickworks making Blaydon Burn one of the most industrialised parts of the region.
Sir Joseph Cowen (1800-1873) and his son, also Joseph (1829-1900) made their money manufacturing bricks and clay products in the Blaydon Burn yards Link
Joseph Cowen, the elder, was a leading advocate of parliamentary reform and was Liberal MP for Newcastle from 1865-1873. Joseph Cowen junior NZ2464 : Cross House, Westgate Road was MP for Newcastle 1873-1886, and because of a reputation for plain speaking was given the nickname ‘The Cowen Brick’ NZ1763 : Cowen firebrick and iron slag, Blaydon Burn
Large areas of former industrial activity were reclaimed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with some subsequent landscaping. A footpath and cycleway runs through the valley, approximately following the course of the former Blaydon Burn Waggonway. Today, the remnants of the area's industrial history can still be seen in the 108 different stone and brick-built features which are scattered throughout the area of the heavily wooded nature reserve. The remains and historical records make Blaydon Burn one of the most important sites for the study of industrial archaeology in the north east.
Impoverished grassland managed for wild flowers, wetlands and mature trees in small areas of ancient woodland make the valley an important area for wildlife. Butterfly species included the rarities: White Letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Dingy Skipper.
Gateshead Council began the three year long Blaydon Burn Project in 2007 to conserve, improve and promote Blaydon Burn for people and wildlife.
Whickham Area News: Link
Blaydon Burn Trail leaflet: Link
Blaydon Burn Industrial Landscape Assessment: Link
Roly Veitch's Website: Link
Joseph Cowen by Brickfrog: Link
The Flipside of Regeneration: Link
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- Grid Square
- NZ1763, 61 images (more nearby 🔍)
- Photographer
- Andrew Curtis (more nearby)
- Date Taken
- Friday, 24 February, 2012 (more nearby)
- Submitted
- Saturday, 25 February, 2012
- Subject Location
-
OSGB36:
NZ 1786 6343 [10m precision]
WGS84: 54:57.9109N 1:43.3549W - Camera Location
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OSGB36: NZ 1786 6343
- View Direction
- Southeast (about 135 degrees)
