Barlow, Faija & Co, Stoke

Henry Faija was an engineer who came from Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1868 and became managing partner at the Railway Foundry Company, Stoke-on-Trent. His partner in the business was Alfred Barlow who was a significant building contractor in the Potteries and surrounding areas in the 1860s. He was responsible for the building of the Wedgwood Institute in Burslem amongst many other public buildings. He is listed as a brick manufacturer in a trade directory for 1865 at Railway Works, Stoke-on-Trent. His business got into some financial difficulties in April 1868 with liabilities of £27,000. It appears that arrangements were agreed to deal with his cash flow problems and the business continued until his death in late 1868 or early 1869. The foundry was situated east of the Derby line and just south of the Stoke engine shed. It included a brickworks with 3 round kilns.