About this objectLate medieval floor tile with the incised design of a man standing between two columns. He wears a knee-length tunic, belted at the waist, and with Dalmatian sleeves, over breeches and round-toed shoes or boots. There is a purse hanging from his belt and his head is bare, revealing long hair, combed back over the head. The design is coated with a copper glaze.
It was found in 1901 during work inside the tower of St Mary’s Church, Hitchin. This is an unlikely location for a tile of this nature and it may well have been moved from its original position. A second example has been relaid in the floor of the south chapel, close to the priest’s door.
The tile shows a wealthy person giving out money, known as alms, to the poor. It may be a depiction of Charity, one of the Seven Virtues of medieval theology.
