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Selected Bristol Pipe Makers |
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He was apprenticed to James and Susannah Carter in 1748, taking his freedom in 1757. Later he took five apprentices, including his own son John. Between 1775 and 1782 his address is given as 38 Lewins Mead. In 1782 he took over number 15 Castle Green (Castle Precincts), the former porcelain works of Richard Champion. On Thursday 20th September 1787 the following appeared in the Bristol Gazette "Sunday died Mr Cary, pipemaker, in Castle Green". John finally left number 15 in 1809, moving to Coal Yard, Broad Street, where he remained until 1811. Incidentally a waste tip was discovered, between the junction of Lower Castle Street and Broadweir, in 1971. Plenty of clay pipe waste was found, both from Carey and other manufacturers, but none of it pre-dated 1782. His pipes are marked "I C" or "Cary Bristol". |
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Corcoran & Co John Corcoran ran the Swan inn in New Street, St. Phillip's, from 1887-90. In 1890-91 he was also a pipe maker at the same address. In 1892 he moved to 14 Lamb Street, which had previously been used for pie making by William Pring (from 1884). Between 1899 and 1903 he moved to Tower Street (see the 1902 map), entering into partnership with A J Veale. The partnership was soon dissolved, Corcoran emigrating to America, and the premises were taken over by the Bristol Clay Pipe Manufacturers Association. This business had closed by 1912. The site was excavated in 2000 and the foundation of a kiln was found. The circular kiln had eight flues, with each alternate one being connected to a firebox. This type of kiln was of the open flame type, with the pipes held in saggars. This type of kiln is first recorded in the 1850s. Earlier kilns, which were still in use in the 20th century, were of the muffle type (the pipes being heated in a chamber out of direct contact with the fire). A number of pipe fragments were found, some were marked RAOB. |
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Thomas George I, II and III Thomas I became free on 1st October 1812, when he married Ann, the daughter of John Oakley II. He is listed at 5 Great Anne Street (1818-70) and 35 Great George Street (1871-5). He was dead by 11th August 1875, when his son and apprentice (Thomas II) became free. In 1846 Thomas George insured a dwelling house and pipe manufactory, all in one building, at 4 Great Ann Street. The policy mentions two kilns for burning pipes, plus three cottages nearby. A further pilicy for 1847 says that only one kiln was allowed, but also mentions a house in Little Street, in the tenure of Burford, a grocer. Thomas II was born in 1813 and his son (Thomas III) was born in 1847. They took over at great George Street in 1876 and until 1879 had additional premises in Houlton Street. They also had a business in New Street. Thomas II died in 1881 and in that year Mrs T George took over the New Street business. In 1910 they became known as Thomas George & Co (Clay), with additional premises at 14 Old Market Street. From 1916 they were only in Great George Street. They fired the last pipes, to be made in Bristol, on 9th December 1921. |
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James Jenkins James was apprenticed to William and Mary Tippet in 1700, becoming free in 1707. He took seven apprentices between 1714 and 1738. The premises were on the north side of Lewins Mead, between the unitarian chapel and a cobbled lane, called Greyfriars (St. James Parish). His pipes are marked "I Jenkins" or "I I" (in the 18th century a J was often written as I). There may be some confusion, as there may have been two people with the same name. |
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John Okeley I He was apprenticed to Henry and Mary Edwards from 1723 to 1732, and later he had premises in Hollister Street at the junction with Water Street. This area is now under Bond Street His pipes are marked "I O". |
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Robert Tippet The first Robert Tippet obtained his freedom in 1660. His son, Robert II, was apprenticed to Lluellin and Elizabeth, becoming free in 1678. In 1709 he held property in Lewin's Mead (Whitson Street in St.James' Parish). His pipes seem to date between 1699 and 1730. Robert II was probably in business with Isaac Evans, Henry Hoare, and either Edward Reed or Edward Randall Jnr. His son, Robert III, was apprenticed to his father, gaining his freedom in 1713. He had a kiln in Rosemary Street. Rosemary Street was originally a continuation of Broadmead, and in turn continued into Water Street. This area is now under Bond Street. Pipes of the last two Tippets are marked "R T", "T", or "R TIPPET". |
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James Winchester He is listed at Bread Street between 1835 to 1856. An insurance policy for (name spelt as Whinchester) for 1837 describes him as a tobacco pipe maker, of Bread Street, with a house and workshop, which had two small kilns at the back. |