Cotswold Roofing Tile Landscape/Building Materials

The Cotswolds are renowned for their beautiful stone tiled roofs.

Archaeological studies show that the use of stone tile dates back to Roman times. The earliest method used to produce the tiles was to extract the stone from near the surface of the ground then split the tile, within a few days of quarrying, while it still contained its natural moisture. The other method was to quarry blocks of limestone at a considerable depth in the ground. The rough blocks were then laid out to become exposed to rain and later frost. The frost gradually split the stone along its natural grain with the stone tiler assisting the splitting process. The tiles are then graded in different sizes, diminishing in courses.

There are two main types of tile salvaged locally: Tetbury / Througham Tile and Bisley Splits. Stone tile is sold by the ton or ‘roofing square’. A roofing square equates to approximately 10’ x 10’ coverage.