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Histories of Northamptonshire
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Roman Grafitti Tile

Roman 200 - 300 CE Roman and Early Medieval

Marked with the personal name of its maker, this tile is evidence of Roman industry in Northamptonshire as well as local literacy.

Roman pottery tile marked with maker's name © NMAG
Roman pottery tile marked with maker's name

The Romans made a huge impact on Northamptonshire, constructing roads and building villas, but some left more personal marks, such as the name of the maker of this tile.

The site at Prior’s Hall, Corby, has been occupied since the Iron Age and the Romans settled across the county from 43 CE. Recognising the importance of the area’s natural resources present, a substantial road was built across the site shortly after the invasion, alongside a stone temple or mausoleum erected and the Iocal iron ore was quickly exploited. Later, the sites of industry shifted focused to large scale brick, tile and pottery production. This production centre, along with other local examples, marked the beginning of the industrial production, fuelling the growth of many of Northamptonshire’s towns.

This tile is a very rare example of a tiler leaving their name on a product. It provides a human link back to Corby’s (and Northamptonshire’s) industrial past, nearly 2,000 years ago.

Number 23 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.

Main image: Photography by NMAG with kind permission of Peterborough Museum.

Priors Hall, Corby
Contributed by Oxford Archaeology

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