Kent Peg Tiles and the Clay of Kent

Kent’s landscape tells a story millions of years in the making. A story shaped by ancient seas, shifting continents – and of course, clay. 

This humble material has been an ever-present part of the county’s history, fuelling the thriving brick and tile industry that gave rise to Kent peg tiles. The London Clay Formation, a vast sedimentary deposit, forms an important part of Kent’s geology – and clay has influenced everything from Kent’s fertile soils, to its distinctive architectural heritage.

Join us as we trace Kent’s relationship with clay, examining how it got here, what makes it unique, and why it became so vital to our craft – particularly in the production of the iconic Kent peg tile.

The origins of Kent’s clay: a geological legacy

How did Kent get its clay in the first place? The answer is older than human history…

Around 50 million years ago, most of southern England lay beneath a warm, shallow sea. Over vast amounts of time, fine particles of eroded rock and organic matter settled on the seabed. And as time went on, the buildup of weight compressed it into thick layers of clay. 

This is how the London Clay Formation emerged; a dense, blue-grey clay, rich in fossils and minerals, stretching across Kent and beyond. But the London Clay, found in the north of the county, is only part of the story; south of Maidstone, vast deposits of weald clay can be found – giving the region a huge variety of clay types to work with.

Weald clay, which has the distinctive red and orange tones known in Kent’s roofing, would give rise to the industry that shaped the region for centuries.

Unlike the sandy or chalky soils found elsewhere in Britain, Kent’s clay is notably impermeable to water and highly plastic – making it ideal for shaping and firing. Its highly durable, and the iron impurities within it is what lends traditional bricks and tiles their signature reddish hues.

Clay in prehistory: preservation and early use

Long before kilns and Kent peg tiles, Kent’s clay was a guardian of the region’s history. Its waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions preserved prehistoric wood, leather, and even ancient footprints in remarkable detail. 

Coastal erosion revealed buried treasures from Neolithic tools to Roman pottery shards, embedded in the clay cliffs in Whitstable. The Street, as it’s called, is a spit of land that emerges during low tide – and walking along it really shows how much history is buried in the clay.

Early inhabitants of Kent quickly recognised how useful clay could be, making it into crude vessels and structures. But it was the Romans who really advanced Kent’s clay-working techniques – introducing kiln-fired bricks and tiles to Britain. 

The Roman legacy endured in the ruins of villas and their hypocaust systems (underfloor heating systems built with locally sourced clay tiles), which can still be seen today.

The rise of Kent’s brick and tile industry

By the medieval period, Kent’s clay was being used (and sometimes abused) for construction. The Wealden forests provided ample fuel for kilns, and the county’s rivers allowed easy transport of finished goods to London and beyond. 

The birth of Kent peg tiles

Kent’s most enduring contribution to architecture has to be the Kent peg tile. Made from the various clays of the region, moulded over wooden forms, and fired at lower temperatures, each tile has a distinctive, slightly irregular appearance – and that’s a big part of the charm. 

Their wooden-pegged design was a revelation, allowing for speedy, secure fastening. The lapping allowed rainwater to channel efficiently, and being porous, they helped buildings “breathe” – preventing damp.

Production peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, with small family run kilns dotting the Weald. 

Kent peg tiles had a durability and aesthetic charm that made them a favourite for churches, farmhouses, and oasts. Their russet tones are still, to this day, a major feature of Kent’s landscapes.

Industrial expansion and decline

The Victorian era transformed Kent’s brickmaking trade. The arrival of railways and industrial kilns brought about mass-produced bricks, supplying the capital’s booming housing demand. But by the early 20th century, cheaper imports and the discovery of concrete led to the decline of traditional tileworks.

Today, only a handful of artisans continue crafting Kent peg tiles, using time-honoured methods – and we are one of the few roofing companies that’s keeping the tradition alive.

But even though it’s not the quickest and cheapest material for most jobs anymore, Kent’s clay is still world-class. Its fine particles allow intricate shaping without cracking, and its high mineral content gives it strength when fired – resisting frost and wear.

And its legacy lives on.

A Kent peg tiled roof is a piece of Kent’s identity, shaped by the land itself. And at Tenterden Roofing, our mission is to preserve that identity for as long as possible.

Heritage Roofing Since 1984

We’ve specialised in Kent Peg tiling for decades – restoring and conserving historic rooflines at heritage properties, churches and cottages. Our work maintains the rich history of this tiling specialism, handed down through the ages, while ensuring that modern building practices and regulations are met.

Let’s talk about Kent peg tiles and your heritage property. Contact us at [email protected].