For many centuries people have met in alehouses to drink and talk. Ale used to be served in pottery mugs, as glass was expensive and glassmaking a difficult process. These types of mugs may also have been used for warm spiced ale or posset in winter.

The clay mug or tyg shown here is a replica of a type of mug also known as a loving cup. This did not mean that two people in love used it; instead it means that it was a mug for sharing. As the mug has two handles it could be passed easily from person to person. Tygs usually have two or four handles, but sometimes as many as eleven arranged around the mug. It was common practice up until the 19th century to share mugs of ale instead of having one each. These mugs became known as tygs by the 16th century and remained popular for several centuries.

The mug is hand thrown and the middle is narrower than the base and top. It has two handles, fixed close together, starting at its base, and ending three quarters of the distance up to the top. The mug has a brown glaze. This was put on prior to firing to prevent the liquid in the mug seeping through the clay, which is porous until glazed.

Supplier: www.trinitycourtpotteries.co.uk