The Shrigley Fire Clay Works

William Hammond's advertisement in the 1896 Kelly's Directory for Cheshire lists the usual range of products for a firebrick manufacturer. The statement that the business was established in 1849 is an indication of the time (actually 1848) that George Lambert moved his business to Pott Shrigley from near Brink Farm which was higher up the road and just in Rainow. Lambert operated his works for many years and eventually it was taken over by James Hall before 1878. In 1870 William Hammond went into partnership with his brother-in-law Robert Gardiner to work fireclay in Pott Shrigley and they established their brickworks on the north side of the road opposite that of George Lambert. 1875 saw Mr Lawrence Gardiner succeeded his brother in the business. He died in 1886 and Mr Hammond took over the works entirely. He erected a glazing plant that promptly burned down, but the business continued to grow and by 1896 he had taken over Hall's works as well. In 1900 the business was converted to a private limited company which continued to manufacture firebricks until 1966.