A bellarmine
Whereon the lewder hand of pagan workmen,
Over the proud ambitious head, hath carved
An idol large, with beard episcopal,
making the vessel look like tyrant Eglon.’

Cartwright THE ORDINARY ‘Bellarmine’ jugs were first produced in the Rhineland between about 1550 - 1750. Latterly they were copied at the Fulham potteries in London. They carry a caricature of Cardinal (now Saint) Robert Bellarmine, who was the Catholic Churches’ chief opponent of the protestant reformers, among whom was James VI & !st. Most of the jugs were used in taverns and to carry beer or spirits to the benches. They were once very popular in protestant lands allowing the user to ‘toast’ their faith whilst mocking that of the catholics.

This jug was probably made at Köln or Seigburg in Germany sometime in the 1680’s. The shoulder has a scowling caricature of Cardinal Bellarmine.

The belly has a medallion bearing a stylised rosette. The latter tells us roughly when and where it was made. It is made of a heavy salt glazed stoneware and has the characteristic dappled appearance. The relatively small size would imply that it was originally designed to hold geneva (gin) or perhaps brandy.

It was found at Girtford Bridge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, early last century.

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