Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Hand made from extracted clay sub-strata. Sources of suitable

clay in the UK are the brick making areas of Kent, Sussex and

Leicestershire.

Tiles are shaped in a timber frame or clamp before being kiln fired

at about 1000°C. Early examples of these tiles have been

attributed to the Romans, but after they left the UK manufacture

all but ceased until about the 12thCentury. Historically and today,

tile dimensions vary quite significantly, especially those from

different regions and makers. In 1477 a Royal Charter attempted

to standardise tiles to 10 2100 ¾ (^62100) ¾ 2100 thick (265¾ (^165) ¾12 mm) and
this remains as the BS dimensions shown on the previous page.
However, peg tile makers were set in their ways and retained their
established local dimensions. This means that replacements have to
be specifically produced to match existing.
Peg tile showing
general range of
dimensions
square or
round hole
12mm
tapered oak
peg located
behind batten
camber
camber
150 to 160mm
225 to 255mm
Typical regional sizes ~
Sussex (^92100) ¾ 64100 (240¾160 mm)
Kent (^1000) ¾ 600 (255¾150 mm)
Leicestershire (^1100) ¾ 700 (280¾180 mm)
Double Lap Peg Tiles