From the beginning of time, man has been building with bricks in one form or another. The earliest form of bricks we used were made from earth or mud, and were dried until they were strong enough to hold. Bricks from around 7500 BC have been found using this technique. Another technique used after 3000 BC was the ceramic or fired brick. Modern methods of brick making and bricklaying have come far from this time. Bricklaying and stone masonry came to the UK through the Romans, who gained their methods in Egypt. They then brought it into Europe as they travelled northward. Between the 10th century and the 17th century, the construction of Cathedrals boomed and the need for more robust bricks was required. During the end of this time period, bricklaying became increasingly popular and bricklayers had a surplus of work because the Great Fire of London. Such mass destruction caused there to be more work for bricklayers because many repairs were needed.
Other civilisations that saw an increase in bricklaying work are the Chinese and the Ancient Incas. In China, bricks and bricklayers were in high demand because of the construction of the Great Wall of China. This is a great example of bricklaying and it is considered one of the Wonders of the World. The Ancient Incas employed the use of bricklaying and stone masonry because of their ziggurats. The process of hand brick making lasted up until the late 18th century, and into the dawn of the 19th century until machines became common place making construction work more efficient. Soon enough, modern methods replaced ancient tried and tested ones. Bricklayers now use these new methods for more productive work. Some even take up bricklaying as a hobby!
Did you know? Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill did bricklaying as a hobby?
One of the companies skilled in bricklaying today is Lester woods General Builders in Cirencester. This building business has been in practice for over twenty years. As experienced bricklayers, there is no job too large for them. Based in Cirencester, but covering Swindon, Cheltenham, Stroud, Gloucester, and other surrounding villages, they strive to provide affordable building work for everyone and everywhere. Take a look at their website for more information.
Having more information on the history of bricklayers and the services they perform; we can appreciate the essential work that they provide for us all. These bricklayers, colloquially known as ‘brickies’, work building vital structures to support modern society. Our houses, our schools, our hospitals, our workplaces, are all built by bricklayers, so we can appreciate people in construction, who use their expert knowledge and hard work to build these essential facilities.
If you are looking for skilled bricklayers to perform work in your area, contact Lester Woods General Builders, in Cirencester, to get the job done.