Fragment of medieval inlaid floor tile, depicting the back half of a lion. From Hyde Abbey, Winchester, Hampshire. Medieval.

Floor tile fragment

Medieval, early 14th century

Found on the site of Hyde Abbey, Winchester, Hampshire

Glazed inlaid floor tile fragment depicting the back half of a lion. Many varients of this design are found on medieval tiles. On the back are two surviving large round depressions called keys, which were made with a knife. There would have been four keys on the complete tile. These helped to secure the tile to the mortar bed. This particular design of tile is widespread in South Hampshire. Examples can be found in Winchester College.