Immediate Release: 16th April, 2024
Scoria Bricks talk for Clifton History Group
The history of York’s back alleys will be explored next week when Clifton History Group hears about the scoria brick and how it was used across the city.
Long-time residents of York will recognise the elaborate double-hexagon shaped tiles, first designed and sold in the 1870s by Darlington industrialist, Joseph Woodward.
Clifton Labour councillor Danny Myers said:
“The scoria brick is an attractive design and lends character to the back lanes behind people’s homes across many parts of York, including the terraced streets of Clifton.
“The story behind how they came to York is fascinating and one we’ll hear from local historian Susan Major. As well as hearing about the role scoria bricks played as York approached the 20th century, we’ll hear about the less pleasant Greek origins of the word.
“Susan’s talk about these special silvery-blue tiles is based on her research into their intriguing origins and use. As Clifton councillors we’re pleased Susan has agreed to do this and we encourage new and existing members of Clifton History Group to join us”.
The upcoming meeting will take place on Monday 22nd April at Clifton Community Hall on Evelyn Crescent, off Burton Stone Lane in Clifton, starting at 6pm. The meeting is free to attend and all are welcome.
-ENDS-
Cllr Danny Myers – Clifton Ward – Tel: 07419 209928
Notes to Editors:
Clifton Local History Group is a community group that brings people together through an interest in the local history of Clifton.
Susan Major
Susan lives in York and has an interest in railways and local history. In 2012 she carried out research for Voices from the Railways, ed. Julian Holland (AA, 2013). In 2013, she was an adviser to the BBC on their Locomotion series on railways.
And in 2016, she was a programme consultant for the BBC series Railways: The Making of a Nation.