I have been researching special type of brick developed and patented in or near Stony Stratford in 1864 and described in the patent as “A beaded brick for walls to which trees are to be attached” The bricks had what are known as a “bead” running the length of each brick and through which six holes were drilled top to bottom through which string or wire was to be threaded to attach young trees growing up the wall. I have seen two examples of this brick being used in Northamptonshire and they have been seen once only in a Staffordshire salvage yard. However, although they could have been sold under licence, they do seem to be rare and I would be interested to know if they have been seen anywhere else in the country. I believe they were used in one garden in Northern Ireland but have not heard of any other examples on the mainland. I should be interested to hear from anyone who can provide further information on where they were used. Thank you, Elizabeth Taylor.