William Blyth was one of the many tile and brick manufacturers found along the Humber’s south bank. When the Brick Tax was abolished in 1850, the tile and brick industry expanded so that by the early 1890s, around 20 such manufacturers operated in the Barton area. Today, only William Blyth survives, at the Hoe Hill tile yard and Far Ings tile works.
The current Hoe Hill works were sold to William Blyth during the 1870s. The company has made and exported its goods for many generations. One of the only significant changes to production has been the use of motorised vehicles rather than horse-drawn ones – most aspects of the manufacturing process still use traditional methods.
Trusting traditional techniques and an ecologically friendly ethos, we continue to invest in our two former Grade II heritage tile manufacturing sites
This enables us to preserve and maintain the professional skills and craftsmanship from the past to ensure our roof tiles boast the premium quality and longevity they have become known for.
William Blyth was one of many tile and brick manufacturers situated along the Southern Humber bank, now just Far Ings and Hoe Hill sites remain and are still in full production.
Customers who choose handmade tiles from William Blyth can be confident in the quality of the product they are purchasing, with a renowned durability and performance. Our tiles are well suited, not only for heritage and conservation work but also new build developments.
Working closely with architects, conservation officers and property developers you have a guarantee of high quality, competitive prices and exceptional customer service.
The start of manufacturing our handmade tiles begins with careful extraction of clay. The high iron content in our alluvial clay gives our tiles a deep natural colour tone.
No chemicals are used throughout the manufacturing process allowing our tiles to be sustainable in all production stages – from the clay extraction to handmaking and grading through to palletising.
Due to our unique processing of the raw clay and coal firing methods, this creates a tile that is unique for its weathering properties, natural and subtle changes occur in a given time of around 12-18 months depending on how exposed the property is to then create a roof space that has acquired a warm patina and mature appearance unlike any other.
Due to the adaptability of our manufacturing process, we can meet both bespoke and substantial orders quickly and efficiently.
To make you feel part of this unique process, we offer you the opportunity to visit our heritage roof tile sites to see firsthand all that goes into the manufacturing process and to discuss your individual requirements. Please contact one of our team to plan your visit.
Our tiles are well suited for heritage and conservation work.
