A structural brickwork pattern where one horizontal row consists entirely of stretchers (bricks laid lengthwise) and the next row consists entirely of headers (bricks laid with their short ends facing out). This interlocking arrangement creates a very strong, load-bearing wall, though it requires more facing bricks than simpler patterns.
The architect specified an English bond for the retaining wall to match the historic factory facade.
You need a closer (a partial brick) at the end of the header courses to offset the vertical joints and maintain the structural bond.
Do not mix it up with
- Flemish bond: English bond alternates entire courses of headers and stretchers, while Flemish bond alternates headers and stretchers within the same course.
Related terms
Flemish bond
A bricklaying pattern alternating stretchers and headers in every single course.
Stretcher bond
A masonry pattern where bricks are laid lengthwise with vertical joints offset by half a brick in each successive course.
Course
A single continuous horizontal layer of bricks, blocks, or stone in a wall.
Header
A brick laid flat with its shortest end exposed on the face of a wall.