Object Number: 2006/108/SF64

Collection: British Archaeology

Object Name: tile

Archaeological Site Name: 2 Trenchard Street, Colston House, Colston Street

Description: Medieval glazed floor tile showing a figure wearing armour ridng on horse back wielding a sword. Broken into two pieces when found, dating to the 1200s. Found during excavations for a new foyer being constructed for the concert venue which is now called the Bristol Beacon. The tile is though to depict the Muslim leader, Saladin and is likely to be one of a pair of tiles, which represented King Richard I (Lionheart) and Saladin. Each tile showed a warrior on horseback facing the other and wielding a sword. Richard attacks from the west and Saladin from the east. The tile was almost certainly produced locally in a Somerset kiln. Similar designs have been found in many medieval religious houses, most notably Glastonbury Abbey. It is likely the tile came from the Carmelite friary known to have existed on the site dating back to 1256. It is one of the earliest images relating to the Muslim world found in Bristol.

On Display at M Shed, Bristol Places Gallery