Celebrating Women's History Month

25th March 2023  'Women at Work' 

Venue: Time and Talents, Rotherhithe

Archaeological finds relating to women

Mudlark panel includes Fran Sibthorpe

Researched  (Notes)

Catherine Shipway Tobacco clay pipe maker

Born Herefordshire 1798

Thomas Harper born 1738 in Shoreditch

Catherine married  Thomas Harper (both 19yrs )on Sunday April 1817 by the Revd George Hickes.

Neither signed their names but theywere marked by crosses - suggesting inability to sign their names which was common amongst clay pipe makers. However, ti didn't prevent them from becoming entrepeneurs.

The family lived in Bermondesy. All six children were baptised at their local Church St Mary Magdelene.

Charles was the eldest.

All six children at some stage helped with the business.

Catherine made clay tobacco pipes for 14years - Her pipes were identified by a press stamp - 'SHIPWAY MAKER'. On the spur of the pipe were her initials 'C' and 'S'. 

Catherine's husband died in 1839 aged 41yrs. Catherine took over the business with support from their son William. (Charles had moved out of the house and was now married).

1861, in the census Catherine became a Draper. Perhaps it was a more reputative business instead of clay pipe making or more lucrative. With the Wharfs nearby textiles were imported and freely available. William became her assistant.

Catherine died 1878 aged 82.

'Thank you Fran for your well researched, fascinating talk on strong, capable and pioneering Shipway - She certainly made her mark XX. '

More research to follow

Sources: Ancestry  HADS

Thanks to Nicola White (Mudlark) For the loan of the Clay pipe