Draft:Speare’s Brickworks

Speare’s Brickworks

Speare’s Brickworks was a family-owned brickmaking enterprise based in St Peters, Sydney, Australia, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Established by Peter Speare, a Danish immigrant originally named Hans Lillelund, the brickworks played a pivotal role in Sydney’s construction industry during its rapid urban expansion.3

Origins of Speare’s Brickworks

Peter Speare

Peter Speare, born Hans Lillelund in Denmark, immigrated to Australia in the mid-19th century.1 He first settled in Armidale, New South Wales, where he became a successful butcher and invested in mining ventures at Hillgrove. His prominence in the community led to his election as Mayor of Armidale in 1871.1

Following his tenure in Armidale, Speare relocated to Sydney, where he established Speare’s Brickworks on King Street, St Peters. The location was strategically chosen for its rich clay deposits, which made it ideal for brickmaking.2 Speare’s Brickworks became a key supplier of bricks and clay pipes for Sydney’s infrastructure projects.3

Leadership Transition

Sarah Speare

After Peter Speare’s death in 1897, his wife, Sarah Speare (née Brindle), took over the management of Speare’s Brickworks. Sarah was one of the few women of her time to lead an industrial business. Under her leadership, the company secured contracts to produce clay pipes and bricks for major projects, including the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.4

Sarah continued running the brickworks until her death in 1925, ensuring its stability and growth during her tenure.1

Ernest Loftus Speare

After Sarah’s passing, her son, Ernest Loftus Speare (1879–1950), assumed control of the company. Ernest expanded the family business and maintained its position as a significant contributor to Sydney’s building industry. During his leadership, Ernest leased his tile-making equipment to Roofing Tiles Ltd as part of an agreement under the Monopolies Act, demonstrating the company’s continued influence in the market.5

Speare’s Brickworks ceased operations in 1948. The site of the former brickworks, near King Street and Mitchell Road, later became part of Camdenville Park.6

Personal Life and Social Involvement

The Speare family was not only influential in the brickmaking industry but also active in Sydney’s social and community life.

Delma Speare and John Sharpe

Delma Speare, daughter of Ernest and Mary Speare, married John Sharpe, a prominent figure in the Gunnamatta Bay area. Their wedding was a notable social event, attracting attention from the community and the media.7 The couple’s involvement in local gatherings and their connection to the area solidified the Speare family’s presence in Gunnamatta Bay.

Mary Speare’s Social Gatherings

Mary Speare (née Krebs), wife of Ernest Speare, was well-known for hosting social events at their home. These gatherings became a hallmark of the Speare family’s social life, highlighting their status in Sydney’s upper social circles.7

Legacy and Contributions

Speare’s Brickworks played a vital role in Sydney’s infrastructure development during a period of rapid urbanization. The Speare family’s entrepreneurial efforts left a lasting legacy, showcasing the contributions of immigrant families to Australia’s industrial and social growth.3

References

1. "Peter Speare". Armidale Regional Council. Retrieved 30 November 2024. 2. "Speare's Brickworks - King Street". City of Sydney Archives. Retrieved 30 November 2024. 3. "St Peters". Dictionary of Sydney. Retrieved 30 November 2024. 4. "Florence Theodora Jacobs". The Glebe Society. Retrieved 30 November 2024. 5. "Tiles: Alleged Combine Leasing of Works". The Sydney Morning Herald. 9 August 1924. Retrieved 30 November 2024. 6. "Charles Street, Marrickville and surrounds - a potted history". Sydney Past and Present. Retrieved 30 November 2024. 7. "The Speare Family in Gunnamatta Bay" (PDF). Sutherland Shire Historical Society. Retrieved 30 November 2024.