LIFESTYLE · Oct 31, 2024

Mudlarking - Tobacco Pipe Maker

Meet Victorian Clay Tobacco Pipe Maker – Thomas Jeptha Stubbs

A selection of Victorian clay pipes found in the River Thames

Fragments of past lives are scattered over the beaches of the River Thames in London, be that in the form of a tailor’s name stamped on a brass button, the crest on a piece of pottery, or in this case, the name of a Victorian clay pipe maker stamped on the side of a clay tobacco pipe stem.

Several Victorian clay pipes spread close to each other

The magical thing about holding a river worn piece of history bearing a name is that it holds the potential to bring back a story from the past. These clay pipes, found over a number of years are stamped with T. Stubbs.

Three clay pipes stamped with the name T.Stubbs

My research not only lead me to discover Thomas Jeptha Stubbs, a clay pipe maker from South East London, but it also took me to Christ Church Workhouse in Southwark. Thomas Jeptha Stubbs, who was born in 1839 spent a significant amount of time in Christ Church workhouse as a young boy.

Two images in black and white, on the left is Thomas Jeptha Stubbs, his wife Elizabeth and their 6 children, on the right is Thomas Jeptha Stubbs in business attire

It would seem that the reason for this is that his father who was also a clay pipe maker struggled to make a living. According to Ancestry records the Stubbs family were admitted there on several occasions where they were provided with food and shelter.

In 1853 however, Thomas and his brother Henry left the workhouse for the last time, and Thomas went on to set up his own clay pipe making business. By 1881 it would seem he was so successful that his wife Elizabeth and several of their children were helping with the business.

It’s always a pleasure finding a clay pipe made by Thomas Stubbs, smoked and then discarded by dock workers and ship builders over one hundred years ago. I now have several in my collection. It’s almost like bumping into an old friend! Thomas Jeptha Stubbs died in 1912 at the age of 72.

Two images, on the left a clay pipe bowl found in the Thames river, in the shape of a horse. On the right is Nicola White holding a clay pipe bowl in the shape of a cockerel

What is special is that jumping forward to the 21^st century, The descendants of Thomas and Elizabeth Stubbs founded a pub snacks business, also based in South East London and which is still going strong. Mr Barry Stubbs who owns Tavern Snacks, said of Thomas : “Thomas Jeptha Stubbs manufactured and delivered clay pipes to public houses in South East London by horse and cart. Today pipes have been replaced by snack foods and vehicles are no longer horse drawn.”

It's worth mentioning here too that the Victorian clay pipe makers were an extremely creative and inventive lot! Over the years I have found clay pipe bowls made to look like animals, faces, figures, boats, trains and shoes to name but a few! I like to think of the Victorian pipe makers all meeting up together to discuss their new ideas and sometimes quite eccentric designs!

A collection of clay pipe bowls made during the 19th century on a black background

Here are some photos of clay pipe bowls made during the 19^th century. Which one is your favourite?!

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