Coventry clay pipe found

Over 30 years ago a man named Arthur Kennedy was working for a building company in South Derbyshire at a pub called the 'Drum and Monkey'. Behind an old fireplace was a clay pipe encased in old cement, so he took it home and carefully removed the cement. On the bowl of the pipe is the Coventry coat of arms and three church spires with the inscription 'City of Spires'. He has sent me some photos of this Coventry pipe, and wonders if anyone can tell us anything about it?

As an indication to date, tobacco was very expensive in earlier centuries and so the bowls of the pipes were much smaller than this one. I did note that there was a pipe factory in Stoke until the late 19th c. 'Clay Lane' could be an indicator. I have seen the same pipe on the web but fragmented and not such a fine example. Obviously clueless as to the find at the 'Drum and Monkey'.

There was a long line of 'Taylors' who were Tobacco Pipe Manufacturers. 1861 the family's address was Tobacco Pipe Works, Stoke. Loads of the family were in the trade until at least 1881. The other one (1891 census) was a John Holt, Field Row, Stoke. Wonder if there are some manufacturers' initials on the stem?

Wow, that's fantastic Foxcote, thank you - I'd nearly forgotten I'd ever started this nearly two-year-old topic! The Stoke area was certainly well known for pottery and ceramics many years ago, so it'll be great if there's a local connection. I've checked the other photos of it now, and unfortunately there's no writing or initials on the stem to give any further clues. The information that you've found is great though, and might help someone else find out more, who knows. Many thanks again, Rob

Local industry is interesting but I am afraid I am a 'lazy researcher'. I want all the information from my keyboard. However, for the more energetic, the Coventry Museum should have some examples of local clay pipes. It's the Herbert isn't it near our Coliseum Buildings.

I think 'lazy' describes me much of the time too! In this particular case, however, I'd only put that pipe on as a topic on behalf of someone else in the hope that it would motivate anyone interested to find out more. And yes, you're right - it is The Herbert not far from the Coliseum buildings. Cheers

I have found another painting 'The old Pipe Works', William T. Wright. I have referred to him before as he was a local artist. This painting was left to 'Low Parks Museum' in Lanarkshire, I do know his brother lived in Scotland. William Wright usually painted local scenes and I would like to know if anyone can tell us more about the location of this picture, there was a 'Tobacco Pipe Factory' at Lower Stoke. The Old Pipe Factory, William T. Wright

My sister lives in Bramble St, she is the mother of four boys. I recall sometime in the 50s the boys started to bring in clay pipe fragments with the occasional misshapen pipe. These were not just a few odd bits but quite large amounts. Tomorrow I will ask where these came from. Les

In an old Trade Directory, I have found the following details. William Simmons, Tobacco Pipe Maker, Gosford Street. This was in 1835. More sleuthing required but it could be the reason for the boys' discovery?

My sister has told me that her sons found the clay pipes buried in the field at the rear of the Charterhouse where the boys often would play. Workmen were digging trenches and had dug through a large quantity of pipe fragments and bottles, they were not interested in them and allowed the boys to take what they wanted.They still have two whole pipes, one has an image of Stephenson's "Rocket", the other has a picture of a sailing ship. So, pipe making may have been done at the Charterhouse or it could be 19th century fly tipping. Les

Perhaps it was just a 'dump' then LesMac, it would be nice to see a photo of the two pipes! I don't know much about the Charterhouse but I have noticed there's plenty on the Forum about its history, so yet again one subject has set me on a path to learn about something else

I have now had an email from my nephew who found the pipes. "The bottles/pipes were found at the far end of the Charterhouse Fields. Exact location close to the railway bridge where the Sherbourne goes under and close to the back of London Rd tip". Les

Thanks LesMac, it's certainly an interesting area, I have been reading all about the history of Charterhouse Fields, Colonel Wyley and all sorts! I looked on Google for the area you have described but am having trouble with the exact location on there. Regarding the one pipe depicting 'Stephenson's Rocket', I looked it up and the 'Rocket' was built by 1829. All interesting stuff!