Executive Summary
In June 2023 Mosborough History Group resolved to research the history and heritage value of the brick kiln at Vine Grove Brick and Tile Works, Mosborough, Sheffield, with a view to ensuring its protection from development.
The brick kiln is situated within the village of Mosborough and formed part of the former Mosborough Brick and Tile Works, comprising several buildings, now demolished, formerly part of Vine Grove farmstead complex.
The principal structure is a brick kiln in the centre of the site, The rectangular building, approximately 10m by 15m, is of brick and stone construction with substantial stone walls at the northern and southern ends. These are relatively well preserved although in a general state of neglect. The east and west walls are of brick with projecting buttresses at either end, and between the two east-west aligned arched chambers. The rectangular formation of the structure is thought to represent a Hoffman-style continuous kiln, which was introduced in 1870. The former chimney has been demolished. Within the walls and crowns of the chambers are flues which now form roosts for long-eared bats.
In the British Isles there are only a few Hoffman kilns remaining, some of which have been preserved; the nearest example being in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, a Grade II listed building, although also badly neglected. The Vine Grove kiln is one of only six examples of this type in the country.
By John Rotherham
