A soft spot for brick noggings

Our surveyors have a soft spot brick noggings on Tudor buildings. These brick panels, set between timber frames, are a distinctive feature of late medieval and early modern architecture and often give us valuable clues about a building’s history.

A Mark of Wealth in the Tudor Period

From the late 1400s onwards, wealthier Tudor homeowners began to replace the traditional wattle and daub infill with brickwork. At that time, brick was not a common material; it was expensive to make and transport. Its use signified wealth and ambition, and owners often went a step further by arranging the bricks in decorative patterns such as herringbone or diaper designs to make an impression.

What Can We Learn from Brick Noggings

When inspecting historic buildings, brick noggings tell us more than just how the property looks. They help us understand when the building was constructed, how it was built, and the social status of its original owners.

They can also present challenges when it comes to condition and repairs. Many are tied into oak frames using lime mortars, and unsympathetic modern repairs can cause damage over time. Careful assessment is needed to ensure these features are preserved in the right way.

Where to See Them Today

Examples of brick noggings can still be seen at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon and on many of the timber-framed houses in Lavenham, Suffolk. They remain an important part of what makes these buildings so distinctive.

At David Cosby Chartered Surveyors, we always enjoy coming across these details during surveys. They are not only attractive but also provide valuable information about the evolution of the building and how best to care for it today.