The Clay Tobacco Pipe
The Clay Tobacco Pipe
Tobacco arrived on British shores at some time in the 16th century, over 500 years ago. By the end of the 17th century there were over 1000 clay pipe makers in London alone. Lots of people in Ryde would have been smoking tobacco in pipes like these 300 years ago, not aware of its bad affect on their health – in fact believing it was good for them!
Enjoy this short story by Cervana – Bad Habits
(If you are in a group, perhaps take turns to read each story out loud in character!)
‘What have you got there, Bennelong?’, I asked.
Bennelong had something white in his hand with a long stem and a small bowl on the end that was glowing soft red. It was a pipe. Startled by my question, he dropped it and it cracked when it hit the ground.
‘Gosh, damn it, Penny!’, he muttered, ‘wish you wouldn’t sneak up like that.’
Edie glanced as he picked it back up to examine the damage. ‘It’s bad for you anyway’, she scolded.
‘I thought it was supposed to cure the plague’, I said. That’s what I’d heard from the people around here’.
‘That’s what people say but how could it really help? Everyone just ends up coughing their lungs up because of it eventually. Best have nothing to do with it.’
Bennelong seemed to have decided that the pipe was unable to be saved, and discarded it.
And listen to this short sound clip!
‘Strike a pose’ inspired by the story, capture it on camera, and add it onto social media. #RydeStepBackHistory
Now walk up Monkton Street until you get to Melville Street. Walk up this street towards Ryde town centre, crossing roads safely and popping into Vernon Square on the way. Look for your next story as you get closer into town.
Clue: Look for a place where you can buy beautiful contemporary gifts and clothes
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