Brick industry celebrated at railway station display

More than 60 different stones from various makers have been compiled into the tribute on the forecourt, highlighting the companies’ roles in the Industrial Revolution.

The display has been created by Cllr Ken Wyatt, along with the Friends of Swinton Station, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Northern Rail.

“South and West Yorkshire had many coal mines and many brickworks associated to them, which have now all been swept away.

“This display showcases the diversity of bricks produced locally. Each brick’s chiselled lettering, or ‘frog mark’, names the brickwork location, manufacturer and sometimes even the owner’s identity.”

Residents helped with donations of bricks, some of which feature the manufacturers’ names or owner’s initials like EF for Earl Fitzwilliam.

Cllr Wyatt said: “Ancient civilisations used mud bricks to build cities, fortifications and other infrastructure. It was however the ability to mass produce strong, versatile, bricks which enabled the Industrial Revolution to take place at the speed it did.

“Modern society has been shaped by the humble brick.

“Our homes, rail network, waterways, sewage systems, hospitals, bridges and so much more could not exist on the scale needed without the ability to build in brick.”

Tim Taylor, SYMCA director of public transport operations, said: “This important industrial display demonstrates how community rail projects can have a positive impact in engaging local people and connecting them and their heritage to the railways.

“The assembly is a fascinating snippet of Swinton’s recent history. We hope it will make the station more interesting to passengers, as well as showcase local pride in the area’s historical industries.”