The industry dates back to at least the 17th century, however brickworks really took off in the 19th century. A key date is 1851 when the Joseph Hamblet brickworks were founded in West Bromwich, which became one of the largest producers of Staffordshire blue bricks.
The industry's origins date back to at least the 17th century, but brick production really gained momentum in the 19th century. A significant event was 1851 when Joseph Hamblet established a brickworks in West Bromwich, which became one of the largest producers of Staffordshire blue bricks.