Bricks from original St. John's building 1824
Identifer
ASJ2025.09Physical Description
Bricks from the original build of St. John’s church found under the floor during building of the new narthex in the 1980s. These bricks were likely disturbed during the building works of 1938. They bear the distinctive broad arrow mark of the colonial government and a distinct thumbprint can be seen in one of the bricks. These are commonly referred to as “convict bricks”.Historical Details
Bricks for the original church building were made from clay dug from what is now Prince’s Square, and presumably a kiln was established on that site. Launceston eventually proved to have extensive clay beds, particularly in Glen Dhu, Kings Meadows and Prospect, on which brickmaking and pottery industries were built. The beds in Glen Dhu became the site of the Campbell and McHugh potteries, whose products are highly collectible these days.
Interestingly, the bricks for the major extension of St. John's in the early 20th century were not sourced locally, but from Northcote in Victoria.
Materials
baked clay brickDating of Item
1824 - 1984Database Date: Faculty Date:
19 June 2025;