Brick Kiln

This is an early 20th century red and grey brick circular, or beehive, brick kiln with a domed roof and chimney.

The circular kiln is approximately 6 meters in diameter and 3.5 to 4 meters high. A 10-meter high chimney stands 1.5 meters to the east of the main structure. Both the kiln and chimney are constructed in English bond. Seven round-arched fireholes are situated around the base of the kiln, each with a double course of brick headers as a lining, and iron bar supports at the base. A doorway with inner and outer arches leads into the kiln from the west. The kiln's circular walls connect to the header bond built dome via a cement seal, and a central vent is located at the dome’s apex. The chimney has a single, florally decorated plaque above an inspection hole on the east side, and a slit vent on the north side. An iron band supports the top of the kiln, and three iron bands encircle the chimney.

The interior features a brick floor with a central flue connecting to the chimney, along with baffles on the walls abutting each firehole.

The site was formerly part of the Hillis brick works, which closed in 1955, and it is believed that this kiln was likely the last one built in the yard. Records indicate a brickyard existed on the site as early as 1864, owned by William Pritchett, a descendant of a family who had been making bricks on the Isle of Wight since the 1760s. The kiln is the sole remaining structure of what was once a larger brickworks, having expanded considerably from its initial scale before 1864, reaching its full extent by 1909 and continuing in operation until closure. While the current kiln dates from the early 20th century, it occupies the location of a larger kiln that was present in 1897.

The kiln is designated at Grade II for its good condition and intact design as an early 20th century beehive kiln, its regional significance as a survivor of a brickworks on the Isle of Wight, its historical association with the Pritchett family, and its striking aesthetic qualities, reminiscent of ancient building types.