[Rarebooks] FS: Medieval Tiles

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

"Specimens of Inlaid Tiles Heraldic and Geometrical from Neath Abbey,
Glamorganshire"

By H.H. Knight and Egbert Moxham. Published in Edinburgh by the Committee
of the Neath Philosophical Institution: no date (Solon says 1850, and this
seems about right).

These beautiful and striking Medieval pavements were discovered in 1848,
and included tiles emblazoned with the arms of noble families of
Glamorganshire.

A Norman, Richard de Granville, established Neath Abbey in 1130 and it
became a Cistercian Abbey in 1147, gradually growing in size and wealth,
with estates in Devon, Glamorgan and Somerset. Tudor historian John Leland
called it “The fairest Abbey in all Wales” just before it was dissolved by
Henry VIII in 1539. A few years later it came into the possession of Sir
Richard Williams, who, with his son, converted it into a grand estate.
Later there was a copper smelting works on the property, but the Victorian
era and 20th century saw a gradual restoration of the ruins, and the
uncovering of the Medieval tiles.

The text of this study was written by Rev. Knight, rector of Neath, who
identifies many of the families whose arms are represented. The beautiful
red and yellow plates are interesting early examples of Scottish
chromolithography, and were reproduced from drawings by Moxham, an
architect. This was evidently the Earl of Jersey's copy, his name
appearing in pencil on the pastedown; he is also listed as a subscriber.

Hardcover. 22"x15", with a beautiful and elaborate lithographed scenic
title page, dedication page, list of subscribers, and 27 pages of text
plus 8 plates, the first a tinted view of the Abbey, the second a floor
plan with inset details, plates 3-7 beautiful chromolithographed plates of
the tiles themselves, in red and yellow tones, the last plate another
tinted plate of the Abby by moonlight. Bound in at the back is a
lithographed Prospectus for the limited 2nd edition of a history of the
Charters of the Abbey.

Original cloth, covers with some rubbing and wear, corners bumped; light
scattered internal foxing, a few small wormholes near the margins, but
overall in nice condition.  $850.00

Some Pictures =>

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