Clay tobacco pipes: how to identify them and what they mean – an archaeological workshop

Saturday 18 January 2025, 10.30am to 4.00pm at Stephens House, 17 East End Road, Finchley N3 3QE

Clay pipes are a well-known and common class of finds on excavated sites in London from the end of the 16th century onwards. They can be closely dated and, when marked, are often traceable to pipemakers known from documentary records. They also provide valuable insights into everyday life, the ways in which people enjoyed their leisure time and the development of an industry that flourished at the local level across the London area for over 300 years.

This one-day workshop is aimed at unravelling the mysteries of the clay tobacco pipe. Using a large handling collection, we will be looking at the history of smoking in Britain and offering instruction in classifying, dating and recording examples made throughout the period of manufacture. We will also be looking at makers’ marks, decoration, evidence for use, manufacture and the wider evidence for smoking pipes in other countries. Attendees are also invited to bring along clay pipes for identification.

Tea and coffee will be provided. Please bring your own lunch.

Places are limited with priority for members and not confirmed until payment is received of £5 for members and £10 for non members.

HADAS Bank code: 40-52-40 and Bank account: 00007253   

Please ensure that you put your surname and SD125 as a reference with the payment.