Mathematical tile
The mathematical tile was an external cladding or tile hanging solution that was popular in the 17-1800's in the South of England. The tiles were shaped in such a way that they interlocked and from the outside face resembled a brick facade and were a popular cladding solution for timber frame buildings.
It has been suggested that the tiles were designed as an alternative to bricks as a result of the brick tax introduced by King George III in 1784, however although known as the Brick tax, it actually also covered tiles and so these were subject to the same tax, though unclear if less. It is more likely that the tiles represented a useful solution to dealing with the facade of timber frame buildings in seasde locations, because they were cheaper, simpler and quicker to construct than brick and in many respects as, if not more resistant to weathering.
In areas around the South Coast of England, such as Brighton and Lewes a specific black glazed version of the tile was popular, many examples of which can still be seen today. (image credit Stuart Walsh under CC license)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Battens.
- Ceiling tiles.
- Ceramic tiles.
- Domestic roofs.
- Flashing.
- Flat roof defects.
- Metal profile cladding.
- Metal roofing.
- Nails - a brief history.
- Photocatalytic tiles.
- Pitched roof.
- Roof coverings.
- Roof insulation.
- Roof slates.
- Roofing defects.
- Shingle roofing.
- Thatch roofing.
- Tiles.
- Tile roofing.
- Types of nails.
- Types of roof.
- Weatherboarding.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.