Part of an elm water pipe, England, 1401-1600

Part of an elm water pipe, England, 1401-1600 Elm section of a cylindrical pipe

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Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Elm section of a cylindrical pipe
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Elm section of a cylindrical pipe, originally part of an underground water pipe laid in the west of London during the 15th or 16th century.

This water pipe was found during an archaeological excavation in West London in 1902. The pipe originally formed part of an underground network supplying parts of London with water.

Made from elm and measuring 370 mm in diameter and weighing over 8 kg, this type of wood was a popular choice for water pipes as unlike other woods it does not decay when kept permanently wet. Elm pipes were used until the 1700s.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A643605
Materials:
elm
Measurements:
overall: 292 mm 370 mm, 8.34kg
type:
water pipe