Conservation Roof Tiles
Handmade Clay Roof Tiles for Conservation Projects
Preserving the character of a historic building requires materials that respect what came before.
At William Blyth, we manufacture traditional handmade clay roof tiles for listed buildings, conservation areas and sensitive heritage projects.
Using Humber clay from our own reserves and traditional methods passed down through generations, we create tiles with the natural variation, texture and character associated with historic clay roofing.
From replacing individual historic roof tiles to supplying complete roofs for major conservation projects, we work with conservation officers, architects, surveyors and heritage professionals to help find an appropriate match for the building and its surroundings.
Our heritage extends back to 1840, giving us generations of knowledge in the manufacture of traditional clay roof tiles and an understanding of the care required when working with Britain’s historic built environment.
Trusted for Conservation
Why Conservation Officers Choose William Blyth
Selecting roof materials for a listed building or conservation project requires careful consideration. Profile, texture, proportions, colour variation and the way a tile will weather can all influence how successfully a roof retains the character and integrity of the building.
William Blyth combines generations of specialist knowledge with a range of traditional and bespoke roofing options, helping conservation professionals find materials appropriate to historically sensitive projects.
Here’s why Conservation Officers choose William Blyth:
Traditional British Craftsmanship
William Blyth has been producing clay products since 1840. Today, we continue to preserve the traditional skills and knowledge required to create authentic handmade clay roof tiles.
Natural Character & Variation
Our tiles are made using natural clay, with colour created through the firing process rather than surface dyes. Variations in tone, texture and form give each roof depth and character.
Suitable for Sensitive Heritage Projects
Our handmade roof tiles have been used across listed buildings, churches, historic properties and conservation projects where maintaining architectural integrity is a priority.
Bespoke Manufacturing Capabilities
Where an existing historic roof tile cannot be replaced using a standard product, our bespoke service enables us to reproduce specialist sizes, profiles, shapes and fittings.
Knowledge Built Since 1840
Our longstanding experience of clay manufacture means we understand the importance of choosing materials that complement historic buildings and continue to develop character as they weather.
Preserving Historic Character
Roof Tiles for Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas
Every historic building is different. That is why our offering extends from established ranges of handmade clay tiles to individually produced bespoke pieces.
Handmade Clay Roof Tiles
Our collection includes traditional plain tiles and pantiles in a choice of profiles, textures and natural colour variations. The range includes:
‘Barco’ Old English Pantiles – An exclusive handmade clay pantile offering rich natural colour variation and traditional character.
Lincoln Pantiles – A traditional pantile profile produced by William Blyth since the early 1900s, with additional depth through the pan and a bolder roll.
Handmade Plain Tiles – Traditional handmade clay plain tiles with the individual characteristics and natural variation created through hand production.
Traditional Sanded Plain Tiles – Created to offer the character and appearance associated with aged and reclaimed roofing, making them particularly suited to restoration and heritage-led projects.
Celtic Tiles – A distinctive traditional profile with a flat pan, well suited to conservation areas and projects where the existing architectural character needs to be maintained.
Corrugated Tiles – A specialist historic profile featuring three delicate rolls and requiring considerable craftsmanship to produce.
Handmade Clay Roof Tile Fittings
Historic roofs often require more than standard field tiles. William Blyth manufactures an extensive range of handmade clay roof tile fittings, allowing important roof details to retain the same traditional material, colour and character as the surrounding tiles.
Bespoke Roof Tiles & Tile Matching
Historic roofs do not always conform to modern standard sizes and profiles.
Our bespoke manufacturing service enables us to recreate unusual or discontinued historic roof tiles and fittings where an appropriate standard product is unavailable.
Working from an existing tile or project requirements, our craftspeople can reproduce specialist sizes, shapes, profiles and decorative details in clay. This provides conservation professionals with another option when maintaining the character of an existing roof is essential.
Whether replacing a small number of historic roof tiles or creating a bespoke specification for a wider restoration, we work collaboratively to understand the requirements of the project.
Conservation Roof Tiles in Practice
Our handmade clay roof tiles can be found on historic buildings across the UK, from medieval sites and churches to listed homes and significant heritage destinations.
Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk
Now in the care of English Heritage, Castle Acre Priory is a site of significant historic importance. William Blyth Natural Red Old English Barco Pantiles were specified to match those previously used on the building, providing an authentic finish that will naturally weather and mature within its historic surroundings.
St Osyth’s Priory, Essex
This remarkable Essex estate comprises a collection of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings within Grade II listed grounds. William Blyth Light Antique Old English Barco Pantiles and handmade fittings have been specified across ongoing restoration and new-build work, helping to retain the distinctive heritage character of the site.
Grade II Listed Cottage, York
Situated close to the River Ouse and historic Bishopthorpe Palace, this Grade II listed property required a full re-roof following several previous repairs. Natural Red Barco Pantiles were specified to maintain the traditional appearance of the period property, with the tiles designed to weather naturally and complement their surroundings.
The Kings Meadow Baths, Reading
Built in 1902, this Grade II listed Edwardian lido required carefully selected materials as part of its restoration. William Blyth Natural Red Handmade Plain Tiles were chosen as a close match to the original roof tiles, complementing the historic brickwork and helping to retain the architectural character of this important building.
St Nicholas Church, Lincolnshire
For the sensitive re-roofing of this Grade II listed church, William Blyth Autumn Orange Traditional Sanded Plain Tiles were specified by the local conservation officer. Over 16,000 handmade tiles and fittings were supplied, alongside bespoke ridge tiles carefully recreated from an original to help new and retained materials sit seamlessly together.
Roman Villa, The Newt, Somerset
For this ambitious reconstruction over the site of an original Roman villa dating to 351 A.D., William Blyth was commissioned to recreate thousands of historic clay components. Working closely with builders and architects, our craftspeople handmade replica Tegula and Imbrex roof tiles, alongside Tubuli for the reconstructed heating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are William Blyth roof tiles suitable for all listed buildings?
William Blyth handmade clay roof tiles are widely and commonly used on listed buildings and heritage projects. However, the appropriate roofing material will depend on the individual building, its significance, existing roof covering and any relevant planning or listed building requirements. We can help architects, conservation professionals and property owners identify products or bespoke options that may be appropriate for consideration.
Can William Blyth match existing historic roof tiles?
Yes. Where a standard product does not provide an appropriate match, William Blyth offers a bespoke roof tile service. Existing tiles can help inform the required size, shape, profile and character of a replacement tile.
Can William Blyth recreate discontinued or unusual roof tile profiles?
Our traditional manufacturing capabilities allow us to produce bespoke handmade clay roof tiles and fittings for specialist requirements. The feasibility of reproducing a particular historic roof tile will depend on the individual design and project requirements, which our team can discuss with you. Please get in touch for further support.
Do handmade clay roof tiles vary in colour?
Yes. Natural variation is an important characteristic of handmade clay roofing. Our manufacturing and firing methods produce variations in colour and texture that give the finished roof depth and character.
Does William Blyth manufacture specialist roof fittings?
Yes. William Blyth manufactures a wide range of handmade clay roof tile fittings and can also produce bespoke pieces for specialist applications.
Can William Blyth supply samples for a conservation project?
Yes. Samples can be requested to help assess colour, texture, profile and suitability before making a wider product selection.
Explore Our Range
Download Our Brochure
View our full range of handmade clay roof tiles, fittings, and bespoke options.
Let’s Discuss Your Conservation Project
Whether you are reviewing materials for a listed building, matching existing historic roof tiles or specifying for a wider conservation project, our team is here to help.
Explore our handmade clay roof tiles by requesting a sample, or speak to us about the specific requirements of your project.