The craft of making clay tobacco pipes began in England shortly after the introduction of tobacco in about 1558. The first pipes were relatively small and resembled a spoon or ladle. By 1580 the size of the bowl increased to make a better container for the tobacco and by 1640 the size of the bowl had increased to about 9mm. Although the basic shape of the pipe remained the same there were variations in shape and style in different parts of England.
Many of the Pipes found in this area were made by Thomas Parsley from Redenhall, (between1722-1736) and can be identified by the initials TP on the bowl. Others may have been made by his apprentices; Richard Allen, John Neach and William Pink.
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