18. This was a very ancient Trade, for it took begining in the begining of the second world, or age of the world. For no sooner was the flood gon from off the face of the earth, and men begun to multiply thereon, but come (say they) let us build a Citty, and a Tower, whose top may reach to Heaven, that we may get us a name: and this they made of Brick burnt in the fire, as we may read Gen.11. 3. 4. And those famous Piramedes built in Egypt by the Israelits, in the tyme of their bondage (which are said to remaine to this day) were all made of Brick, as it may appeare from Exod. 5 7 8 &c. Now the Instruments of a Brickman are these which follow.
Brick hammer
CLII. He beareth a Brick Hamer between
two Brick Axes. The Brick hamer is longer in the
face part, and much stronger then other tradsmens hamers, having a long pick at the contrary end of it, and a
strong wooden handle.
Brick axes
The two Brick Axes are of two contrary formes
which I caused to be set soe, that the Reader may se the
several wayes they are drawn, to which may be added
others mentioned in chap.8 numb. 77,78.
Bricklayer's jointer
CLIII. In the chief is a Bricklayers Joynter, this
is to rub and pollish the Ioynts of brick work, after the
wall is made, to make it look tite and trim. This is a
long peece of Iron about a quarter of an inch thick, and
smooth; in the end from the haft, it turneth up; the handle is fixed on an Iron proceeding from the middle of it,
bending back like to that of a Trowell. se an other fashion Ioynter chap.8 numb.78.
Brick
Image from proof plateIn the base is a Brick, or Brick bate, as some term it; others a Ston Billet, as chap.8 numb.81, 82, 83. The size for makeing of brick are 10 Inches long, 5 broad, and 3. thick; and some tymes a little either over or under that measure, as the Maister of them pleaseth.
Line pins
CLIV. In the Dexter chief of this quarter is two Line
Pins, with a Line lapped or raped about part of both:
or a Bricklayers line rowled upon the Pins, on
each a part. By the help of the line the Bricklayer runs
or layeth the range of a wall by the severall courses.
Brickmaker's moulding board
On the Sinister side is a Brickmakers Moulding
Board, with the Tub by the side of it; upon such alike
board, with a stay on it, to keep the Brick Mould
from slipping away, doth the Brickmaker mould bricks.
Brickmaker's pallit or slice
Image from published plateIn the Dexter base is the Brick-makers Pallit, or Slice, which is a streight peece of a Board: with it he striketh over the top of the Mould when it is filled with Clay, thereby takeing away all that is superfluous, or lyeth higher than the mould.
Brick moulds
CLV. In this quarter is a pair of Brick Moulds, in
which Bricks are made; work-men term the several parts
of them thus. Brick Moulds when all compleated, if
they be plated, they are Moulds shod; if otherwise they
are Bare-foot Moulds.
Hod
CLVI. He beareth an Hod.
The Hod is a kind of three square
trough made up at one end, and open at the other; haveing a staffe
fixed to its bottom. Within this Clay is usually carryed from the Pit to the moulding board, or else
Brick or Morter is brought in it by a labourer to him
that worketh them.
Crest mould
In the dexter base, is a Crist mould, such Crists as
we use to lay upon the Ridges, or top parts of Slated
houses, to secure the first pieces, from the weather.
Brickmaker's tub
Image from proof plateIn the Sinister base, is a Brick-makers Tub; which they call the dropper, or dropping Tub: It is nothing else but an Hogshead, or Terse Barrel, cut through the middle, which makes two of them.
Brick kiln; Thatcher's prong
Image from proof plateCLVII. He beareth on a Mount in Base a Brick-kiln of four Cundiths, Benches, or Stories high, one above and less than another. in the corners of the second and top, a flame fumant, some term it a Brick-kiln of 4 Scleces; the sides and top flamant and fumant, others 3 Vapours of smoak. the like Brickkiln with 2 Tubbs in chief is the Arms of the Company of Brick-makers in the City of Chester.
[For the thatcher's prong; see Ch. 14, number 96f.]
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