A brand built on rich heritage
In continuous production since 1877, the iconic London Brick has been used in the building of almost a quarter of England’s housing stock. It’s an incredible legacy for a product still made the same way after 140 years.
Heritage
An icon on the British landscape
From its origins as a simple utility brick, London Brick – also known as a Fletton brick after its original place of manufacture – is one of the few building products whose fame has reached into the mainstream.
It is recognised by its iconic ‘frog’ feature, an indentation in the top of the brick that ensures quick and even heat distribution in the firing process and makes the brick easier to cut, handle and lay. Not only this, the hod carrier pictured to the left was a staple of the London Brick brand for decades.
London Brick is a brand built on heritage, pride, quality and integrity and is supported by Forterra’s detailed knowledge and technical know-how. It also receives loyal support from builders’ merchants and from the bricklaying community – many of whom will have used London Brick in their college training.
History
Our story
A legacy built to last. Explore the milestones that shaped London Brick into a symbol of strength, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Laying the Foundations (1877–1929)
1877
The Birth of a Legacy
James McCallum Craig buys Fletton Lodge and brick making begins.
1877 – Fletton Lodge 1895
Building the Nation’s Railways
The London Brick Company played a vital role in the construction and expansion of the railways during the late 19th century.
1985 – Fletton Loop 
1895 1923
Revolutionising Brickwork
The London Brick Company and B J Forder and Sons Ltd combine to create a much large and efficient company. This merger led directly to the production of the first ‘facing brick’ giving a much more aesthetic appeal and marking a significant rise in the company’s fortune. This first facing brick, the “Rustic” is still in production today!
1923 1929
Olympia Rises
Olympia’s new hall, the Empire Hall, was opened in 1929 for the British Industries Fair. Its underlying construction of steel and London Bricks made it, at the time, one of the largest exhibition venues in Europe.
1929 – New Empire Hall, Olympia Expansion and Innovation (1930–1983)
1935
Breaking Records, Building Dreams
With increased Government spending and many commercial building opportunities, The London Brick Company broke its own production record by producing nearly 1.6 million bricks – if placed end-to-end, they would stretch more than 5 times around the world.
1935 1947
Pioneering Industrial Change
The London Brick Company trials an innovative new device from the US called the Fork Lift Truck – an instant success which led to the brick industry becoming the first UK heavy industry to adopt fork lift handling on a major scale.
1947 – Fork Lift Trucks 1951
Strengthening Communities
London Brick begins an overseas recruitment drive to bring workers over to the Stewartby brickworks in Bedfordshire to meet unprecedented demand for new commercial and domestic construction as well as repairing damage from the war years.
1950 1969
A New Era of Innovation
The first ‘new generation’ of brickworks is opened at Kings Dyke in Whittlesey with increased automation, a new layout and structure, and everything is designed to achieve the greatest possible efficiency in manufacture at the lowest possible cost.
1969 
1969 The Modern Era (1984–Present)
1984
A Bold New Chapter
The London Brick Company is acquired by Hanson which introduced to the business new production facilities, site infrastructure and dedicated sales and marketing support.
1984 2007
Joining a Global Giant
Heidelberg Cement Group acquires Hanson.
2007 2015
Reinventing the Future
Heidelberg Cement Group sells Hanson UK to Lone Star Funds and Hanson is rebranded as Forterra.
2015 2016
A New Dawn for Forterra
Forterra joins the London Stock Exchange as an independent company.
2016
Our range
Stay true to the original
Our original designs are the ideal choice for homeowners, architects, and contractors looking for the highest quality and authenticity.
As an icon of the British landscape, authentic London Bricks have been used in millions of homes across the country, covering a range of textures and colours to meet your needs.