Clay Pipe Stem Mudlarked Necklace with Uranium Glass Bead

Historical Information

Type: Clay Pipe Stem
Fabric: Earthenware
Date: 16th–19th Century
Find Location: The Thames Estuary, UK
Extra Information:
This clay pipe stem necklace also features a glass bead that glows under UV light. It was found in the same area and dates to the early 20th century.

The clay pipe stem fragments are dated 16th–19th century, when clay pipes were widely used. The introduction of tobacco to England during the Tudor period led to the rise of clay pipes for smoking. The production of clay tobacco pipes began between 1580 and 1585 in London and gradually spread across the country, first in major cities and towns.

During the following 250 years, almost every city, town, and village had at least one clay pipe manufacturer. Around 1700, the use of snuff became increasingly popular among the upper classes; however, the manufacture of clay pipes continued to expand and reached its peak in the early 19th century.