James Winchester’s clay pipe factory: excavations at Glassfields, Bristol, 2016–2017

Abstract

SUMMARY Excavations in advance of redevelopment in two areas either side of Old Bread Street, Bristol, revealed remains dating from the eighteenth century including those of three clay tobacco pipe kilns and other structural remains. An assemblage of clay tobacco pipes and kiln furniture was also recovered amongst other finds. The structural remains are described and the development of the site is examined. The process of clay pipe manufacture is briefly outlined, and the clay pipes are described and placed within their local context. It has been established that the kilns were the clay pipe manufactory of James Winchester, who was making clay pipes here between at least 1834 and 1856. Documentary sources have been used to further illuminate the archaeological evidence from this site.