Finished roundel of curved red tiles inlaid in white scrolls and flowers, squared off by corner tiles of long-tailed beasts
Unfired curved tiles laid out in rings on a paper template, inlaid with white scrolls and flowers before firing

The Muchelney Roundel: Recreated Medieval Tile Pavement

by Tom ChamberlainPrice on application

Handmade to order, typically ready in 70 days.

Tom's recreation of a medieval tile roundel from Muchelney in Somerset. The original was lifted by the Victorians during excavations of the Muchelney Abbey ruins in 1873, and its tiles now sit in the parish church beside them. Two roundels survive there, and the one by the font mixes tiles from more than one original design. Tom took the design that dominates the font roundel and rebuilt it on its own, so the pattern can be seen whole again. He traced the tiles in the church by hand to keep the drawing faithful, then made one stamp for each ring of the circle. Each curved tile was stamped, inlaid with white slip, cut to a template and chamfered as it dried. Corner pieces square the circle off so it can sit within a wider floor. It was the first pavement he made from clay dug in his own garden, and he finished it in September 2025. A roundel like this can be made to order, on its own or as part of a larger pavement. Tom supplies all the tiles and can work with you to find a local paver to lay them.

Red clay dug in Tom's garden, inlaid with white slip, glazed and fired · Set out at 3 ft (36 in) square once fired, allowing 3 mm (1/8 in) joints between tiles

Bespoke commission

This is an example of Tom Chamberlain’s work, not an item for sale as shown. Tell Tom Chamberlain what you have in mind and your budget, and they will shape a piece to it. The final price depends on the size, materials and finish you choose together. Enquiring is free and starts a conversation, with no obligation.

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How commissioning works
  1. 01Enquire

    Tell the maker what you have in mind and your budget.

  2. 02Discuss and quote

    They shape the piece with you and agree a price.

  3. 03Made for you

    The maker crafts it to order.

  4. 04Delivered

    Your finished piece arrives.