Leeds nostalgia: Puzzle jug presented dilemma for thirsty beer drinkers

Known as a puzzle jug, the ceramic receptacle is a fine example of a type that was popular in home and taverns in the 18th and 19th centuries.

This particular jug was made by the famous Leeds Pottery and dates from around 1800. Like all puzzle jugs, presents to prospective drinker with a challenge as to how to get to the beer inside without spilling it.

The perforated neck in particular would have made that difficult and would’ve meant the thirsty pub-goer would need to identify a more unconventional way of drinking.

The solution to most puzzle jugs is a hidden tube running inside the jug, which means the drinker must suck from the spout end. To make the puzzle more interesting, it was common to provide a number of additional holes along the tube, which must be closed off.

The jug is one of a number of objects being displayed at Temple Newsam House in a new exhibition exploring the history of beer, ale and brewing.

The Beer exhibition looks at the different roles beer and ale played at the mansion and in British culture in general between 1650 and 1850.

Dr Leila Prescott, curator at Temple Newsam House, said: “We’ve found that a long and esteemed tradition of country house beer and brewing was established at Temple Newsam.

“In bringing to light stories associated with historical beer and brewing, we hope visitors see the house in a new way.”

Temple Newsam’s Beer exhibition runs until October 27.