There was a time when Market Lavington was full of malthouses. In the 18th century there were 27 of these ‘factories’ where barley was sprouted to produce malt.
Very little remains today, to remind us of these old buildings. They have all been swept into oblivion.
One of the last Malthouse survivors was in the Market Place – and that went some 60 years ago but it can be seen in photos.
A rather careworn photo shows a malthouse in Market Lavington Market Place
This photo has suffered damage, but the malthouse is clear, close by the old coach.
We do have a few relics in the museum and amongst them is this tile.
A ventilation tile from a Market Lavington malthouse
This was made locally at the Lavington brick works and measures some 25 cm square. It was part of the ventilation in a maltings kiln.
With a local brick industry we have many examples of different styles of local brick and tile in the museum, but this one, which links to another long gone industry, is rather special.
Market Lavington Museum 