This green glazed tile was made in the 16th century. It is from the floor of the Presence Chamber.

Description: Archaeologists think that the floor of the Presence Chamber once looked like this reconstruction. It is made from a mixture of different coloured tiles and stone slabs or pavers.

Archaeologists found some early 16th century green glazed tiles, which they think came from the floor of the Presence Chamber. These tiles have the Latin initials 'IM' on them. These could be the initials of James IV and Margaret Tudor, or James V and Mary of Guise, who were the parents of Mary Queen of Scots. There was no 'J' in the Latin alphabet so 'I' was used instead of 'J'.

Similar floor tiles have also been found at Cadzow Castle, about 20 miles from Linlithgow. It was built in the 1520s or 1530s by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart. He was a military engineer and architect who was Master of the King's Works for James V. About 800 fragments of luxurious green-glazed floor tiles were found. They are from the same kiln and the same firing as those used here at Linlithgow, where Sir James Hamilton was carrying out works. It seems likely that Sir James took the tiles from Linlithgow for use in his own home!

Teleport to find some different types of floor tile in another part of the palace.