Imagine stepping out of a time portal and finding yourself amidst the bustling streets of London, circa 1680. The air is thick with the aroma of spices, coal smoke, and…tobacco? Yes, tobacco! This, my friend, is Restoration England, a time when the “sacred herb” wasn’t just a vice, but a social lubricant, a trade commodity, and a symbol of England’s growing global power.
Tobacco in Restoration England: A Whiff of History
Forget your vape pens and nicotine patches; in Restoration England, tobacco was enjoyed in its purest form – smoked. But this wasn’t your average cigarette break. Pipe smoking was a social ritual, a signifier of class and sophistication. Gentlemen gathered in coffee houses, their clay pipes puffing away, debating philosophy, politics, and the latest news from the colonies.
“Tobacco was more than just a plant,” says Professor A.J. Thompson, author of “Smoke and Mirrors: The Social Life of Tobacco in Restoration England”. “It was a symbol of England’s burgeoning empire, a tangible link to the New World.”
Restoration England Coffee House
Navigating the Tobacco Trade
If you’re a time traveler looking to blend in, knowing your tobacco is essential. Virginia, a prized colony across the Atlantic, supplied the English market with its signature aromatic leaf.
Where to find your fix?
- Tobacco shops: Look for signs proclaiming “Tobacco and Snuff,” often adorned with carved wooden figures of Native Americans, a nod to the origins of the leaf.
- Coffee houses: These weren’t just for coffee; they were social hubs where patrons could purchase tobacco and pipes.
- Street vendors: For a quick puff on the go, street vendors hawked clay pipes and rolls of tobacco.
Price Guide:
A pound of good quality Virginia tobacco could cost you a shilling or two, a significant sum for the time. Clay pipes, however, were cheap and readily available.
A Word of Caution for the Time Traveler
While tobacco was ubiquitous in Restoration England, there were social customs to observe:
- Don’t light up in church! Smoking was forbidden in places of worship.
- Observe social hierarchy. Offering tobacco to someone of a higher social standing was a sign of respect.
- Beware of “tobacco drunkards.” Excessive smoking was frowned upon, even then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did women smoke in Restoration England?
A: While not as common as men, women did smoke, particularly in the upper classes. They favored ornate pipes and milder blends of tobacco.
Q: Were there any health concerns about tobacco in Restoration England?
A: While the long-term health effects of smoking weren’t fully understood, some physicians began to link tobacco use to respiratory problems and other ailments.
Restoration England Tobacco Shop
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Remember, fellow time traveler, history is a vast and fascinating tapestry waiting to be explored. So light your (metaphorical) pipe, pour yourself a cup of virtual coffee, and join us as we journey back to the sights, sounds, and yes, even the smells, of Restoration England.
