Floor Tile, Linlithgow Palace

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At the centre of this floor tile from Linlithgow Palace are the letters “IM”, joined by a love knot. It’s thought that the initials belong to James IV and Margaret Tudor. The same monogram appears in The Book of Hours of James IV.

This green glazed tile with its central stamp is the one complete tile from the castle at this time. The Linlithgow tiles were originally thought to date from 1503, the date of the royal marriage, and from 1513, the death of James IV. It now seems more likely they date from around 1540, based on architectural evidence and links to Cadzow Castle.

As well as tell us about palace life, this object points to the return of a tile industry in 16th-century Scotland.

LLP158 | Rae Project