Bursledon Brickworks Museum

A small group of U3A members had a most interesting day out here. We had an excellent guide & she took us first through the history. In 1850 2 brothers bought the land as it was marshy with a huge supply of clay & transport was available via the river Hamble & the new railway. They were soon making millions of bricks & expanded. The original steam engine used for working the machinery & drying & firing the bricks is still there & was working. It is the only one in England so doing. Our guide then took us through the stages the wet clay had to pass through before firing, showing the old moulds etc. We could wander where we liked. Afterwards there is an excellent small cafe & a great deal that children can do. There is a fair bit of level walking. It is also a venue for exhibitions etc, go to www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk or phone 01489576248. It is off A27 between Portsmouth & Southampton. Open April to October on Wed, Thurs & Sunday 11am-4pm.