Welcome to Priory Tiles.
We are a small company based in Sevenoaks, Kent. We produce handmade medieval style encaustic or inlaid tiles using traditional methods.
Here at Priory Tiles, we have been producing inlaid (or encaustic) tiles, Bawsey relief tiles and counter relief tiles since 2010.
These types of tiles were first used in Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches around the 13th and 14th centuries.
We have also reproduced some sgraffitto tiles based on The Tring Tiles.
Tilers were well respected tradesmen but only worked from March till October.
The carver and designer did not necessarily make the tiles.
To make the encaustic tiles a wooden block is hand carved and used to impress the design in clay, before filling with lighter coloured clay.
The tiles are then allowed to dry for around two to three weeks before being scraped flat.
Once scraped the tiles are then glazed and fired.
Like their medieval counterparts our tiles are handmade in England using traditional methods, apart from the firing process which nowadays uses an electric kiln.
As they are handmade no two tiles will be the same and they will have some faults found when making encaustic tiles.
The only guarantee is that they will not be perfect, but that is part of their charm.
Handcrafted Encaustic Tiles for Historic Buildings
Priory Tiles produces handmade encaustic and inlaid floor tiles using traditional methods in Kent, England. Our tiles are inspired by medieval examples found in churches, abbeys, cathedrals and historic buildings throughout Britain and some from around the world.
We work with homeowners, architects, conservation specialists, churches and heritage organisations seeking authentic reproduction floor tiles for restoration and new-build projects. Every tile is individually made using traditional techniques, creating floors and walls with the character and variation of historic originals.
Whether you are restoring a listed building, repairing a medieval tiled floor or designing a heritage-inspired interior, we can create bespoke encaustic tiles in a range of traditional patterns, colours and sizes.
