Churchwardens 

I have never owned or smoked a churchwarden pipe, however, I think I may have to get one now that I have been elected as one of the wardens of my local Parish Church here in the UK.

I've heard them called tavern pipes as well. This comes from the time when pipes were clay. The idea was that a longer pipe smoked better but could be cumbersome so they would be smoked in the tavern where you'd be sitting and relaxing while shorter pipes would be smoked while out and about. The long stems would also be broken off at the end as the tip became bitter. Some pipes were made with pre-segmented stems to make it easier to break off cleanly. The pipes were often left in the rafters of a tavern where you could retrieve it next time you came in, the pipes would also be left in place after the person died as a memorial. There are taverns in Europe with clay pipes in the rafters where they were left by their owners hundreds of years ago.

Legolas didnt smoke did he? Never trust an elf that doesnt smoke i always say. Now dwarves theres a hardy people you can admire and trust

Hello Muttnchops, I'm a 59 year old pipemaker, and I am very partial to churchwarden pipes. I have made quite a few of them. Usually, I make my own stems, but the last couple of churchwardens I made, I used Erik Nording stems. I can buy replacement Nording stems, both long and short, so they can be used both ways. They are very high quality acrylic, which I've come to prefer over vulcanite, for many reasons. I learned to make pipes from the late Arizona pipemaker, Horace DeJarnet. Horace was a very kind gentleman, with a keen wit. I was in my late 30's, and Horace was in his early 70's when I apprenticed under him. He desperately wanted to pass on his knowledge of the dying art/trade of pipe making, and I was in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude. Horace learned the trade from Andrew Kovacs (Jandrew pipes), another American pipe maker. It's now my time to pay it forward, but I've yet to find a candidate who is willing to devote the time and effort to see it through. So far, while I've met many people who like to watch a pipe being made, they lose interest when they see the equipment investment, and the labor intensity that goes into making a whole pipe from scratch. I fashion my churchwarden pipes, so that they sit on my lower chest, while I'm reading a book, or my tablet. It keeps the pipe out of my face, for easy reading. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the curve of the stem, by heating it with hot (not boiling) water, and gently shaping it to the desired curve, to sit comfortably on my chest.

They are great for not setting a longer Beard on fire 🔥!

Sir, I have been looking high and low, for a pipe but now, thanks to you, I have found my one. I, am 55, a "gas station cigar smoker" and desperately want to switch over, to the bright side. My, Grandpa was a pipe smoker. I, wish that I had kept track of his piece but that's neither here nor there . Ok, back to reality I, wan't the corn cob,as I'm on a budget. I'm, from the deep south and now I live in southern Colorado. That, piece would be a perfect gift to myself; my first pipe and it would also remind me of home. Corn cob pipes are the staple of heritage(and jokes😒!)Georgia,Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina's, Mississippi, Arkansas, Te'jas, Louisiana and Kentukee!

I've always been more of a traditionalist when it comes to my pipes. Bent styles are my preferred and the shorter type. But, yesterday I saw a churchwarden that I couldn't pass up, and it's fantastic. Really, that cool smoke is worth it alone. Just gotta keep a supply of long pipe cleaners on hand!

I always presumed that they were called “Churchwardens” because they resembled the candle snuffers that Churchwardens used to snuff out the candles after services etc. Because some of the candles could be quite high up so the snuffers had a long stem to allow the Churchwardens an extra bit of reach. 🤷‍♂️

In Dutch a churchwarden is also called a "leespijp", a reading pipe. The stem is so long because if you have a normal pipe en look down to read a book smoke comes in your eyes and the pipe is blocking part of your view. By extending the stem these problems are fixed. So it's probably to make it easier to read big/heavy books that you can't hold up for extended periods of time.

I have several Churchwardens and I love smoking them. A story I am familiar with regarding its purpose is that the churchwarden was responsible for monitoring the congregation during the worship service. If someone began to nod off during the preacher’s sermon, the churchwarden could stand in the isle and use the long stem of the pipe to reach that person sitting in the pew and poke that person in the shoulder to stir them back to consciousness. Thanks for another great and informative video.

Actually in The Hobbit book it says Gandolf smoked a short clay pipe. It was Bilbo that smoked a long churchwarden

I have a custom made 21 inch churchwarden so I can hold the bowl in my lap and have the stem reach my mouth. This makes the smoke very relaxing and natural for me as if I am not holding a pipe at all but still smoking a pipe. I had looked everywhere for a churchwarden that’s exactly 21 inches and the most I could find was 16. That’s why I had it custom made. I call it the Grandwarden and I feel like I’m the first to have such a thing since I have never seen such a long churchwarden even with me looking for months. I would consider a “grandwarden” any pipe that is at least 20 inches while most standard churchwardens are 10 inches. Hope someone sees this and gets one because it is my favourite churchwarden like pipe that I have, and I don’t think any churchwarden I buy in the future could ever be better than it.

Speaking of great to hear... Maltese Falcon is now my daily morning blend....even used it in my Peterson Donegal Rocky...just love it.

Great video.. Churches were never locked back in the day and pipes were smoked in church. Actually some old collectable pipes have a small knob on the bottom to help hold or rest on a pew. Yes the stem keeps smoke from your eyes and face so u can read and see. Thank u again for your video

These videos are the best to smoke to and relax

My churchwarden is an all-wood LOTR replica, and is my favorite pipe to smoke. I find the smoke cooler, and enjoy having the smoke a certain distance from my face.

Thanks for the bit of history. It gives you a whole new appreciation of the pipe!

The most credible story i heard is, that it is linked to clay pipes. Clay pipes burn quite hot and don't absorb the heat good. Thats why clay pipes had long stems. You couldn't hold the bowl and the smoke had a long smoke channel to cool down and not burn your mouth. Clay pipes where the main type of pipe until the early 1900s when the shorter briar pipe became affordable and more common. It is possible that the long pipes became associated with the Churchwardens, who were mostly older and quite conservatively/traditionally minded gentlemen that kept preferring the old aesthetics of a long pipe long after the shorter pipes were the norm. In their office of Churchwarden they worked at a church where most of the community would see them regularly and smoking their long pipes, as opposed to maybe the old Librarian who mostly sat inside in his Library.

Just ordered my first churchwarden; a brown rusticated Savinelli 601. Can't wait!

I bought a church warden made in Eastern Europe. The second bowl of mellow tobacco, it burned out the bottom and I had a handful of fire. I like the elegance of long stem pipes. I like the ease of a nose warmer.

Love churchwarden and long tavern pipes. Cools the smoke and keeps it from collecting under the brim of a hat.

Talking about LotR and you get a glimpse of those early 80s Darrell K. Sweet covers in brown (The Hobbit), blue (Fellowship), green (The Two Towers) and red (Return of the King) in the bookshelf. Well played, sir. And great videos, love them all.

Thank you for this video, Churchwardens are my absolute favorite of all pipes!

Just bought my first churchwarden today!

I like the first story the best. The unobstructed view makes sense.

I've got my own little 11" pearwood churchwarden, great airflow with a decently deep bowl that cools the smoke right down. Best pipe related purchase I've made!

my favourite all time pipe so far

One of the reasons the churghwardens were created was to keep the smoke out of the way while reading documents and/or books. I heard that’s why they were popular among librarians and writers

I've been a pipe smoker for a year. I do it for a relaxing therapy. I do have a churchwarden. Love using that one the most if I'm setting outside in a chair. Fells in to place. Love it

I'm big on studying history. So this is very fascinating. A churchwarden may be my first pipe. God be with you. :)

Great video.... I purchased a churchwarden several months ago and really enjoy it.

Funny, I was smoking my Stanwell 30L reg. rusticated with some Margate when I clicked on your video today. Thanks for sharing as always!

Good information, I just joined your channel and I greatly appreciate the length of your videos and the content!

Love the story about sticking the churchwarden out the window! Haven't heard that one before, but makes the most sense. Any club members ordering a new churchwarden don't forget the churchwarden pipe cleaners! With all the extra length it's kinda hard using a normal length pipe cleaner. I'm sure there's tricks out there, but how expensive are pipe cleaners. 🖒🖒

I was hoping you put out another video and low and behold I see this one show up in my feed. Another great video sir, keep them coming.

From mutton chop pipe smoker to another; I always like watching your videos. Your humility and tone are top notch. Keep up the great works sir!

I love my Savinelli churchwarden pipe and my Missouri Meerschaum ‘Cobbit’ churchwarden. Both are excellent smokers

My first TRUE Churchwarden pipe is being shipped to me as we speak. I got the Wizard from MacQueen pipes. Excited to try it.

Hi friend!!!! the most common story i've heard about churchwardens pipes was that Churchwardens were in charge of copy the books in the monastery, so, when they where reading and copy books they need a pipe with a long steam so the smoke don´t get in their eyes. Thanks for your video. Best Regards! FV

In the books, Sherlock Holmes was always said to favor a churchwarden, when he wasn't doing cocaine that is.

I have one now, it is my favorite pipe!! I love it. The smoke never comes out to hot, for some reason it's easier to slow down with, and it's relaxing the read with.

Just bought my first pipe, which just so happens to be a churchwarden made by H.I.S. Looks good, smokes good (for all I can tell), and the price was right for a beginner. Thanks for the videos!

Never been a happy owner of one of those huge stemmed gigants,smoked yes, there's many who love them, I find them difficult to smoke. I think it's only pipe model I don't understand. Good video as always so thanks. Have a great start for the week and as always cool smokes mate.

@Muttnchop Piper hello and thank you greatly for a nice informative story i love that style of pipes it cools the burning tobacco making the flavor smoother without the burning of the tongue also yes you can rest it on your upper belly when in a reclined position specially when sitting on the ground reclining against a tree . mmmmmmmh i miss pipe smoking and the good quality Tobacco

my first pipe was a cobbit shire. it is my favourite everyday pipe for relaxing and pondering the world.

I just added a Maqueen Ranger pipe to my collection, got the briar option and I love the way it smokes & looks.

thanks for this video. I recently purchased my first churchwarden and have been enjoying it on the back porch while reading. it takes a little extra thought not to poke myself in the eye with the longer stem, but the extra length definitely helps to cool the smoke and the "breathe method" seems most effective with the extra length. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. thank you.

i could listen to your videos for ages, sire!

Hi Chris, interesting explanations of the term. I have two and they smoke well. Take care, Janez

Muttonchop, I try to catch all your videos. They are always informative for newbe pipe smokers. I am still working on the breath method. Keep up the great work, Take care brother.

thanks for video Sir, i always wanted to have one of those pipes, in addition to LOR and Habbit, Sherlock Holms is one of my favorite characters who sometimes use long pipes. i searched of long pipes from other cultures, and i reached to "Kiseru" from Japan. from information and data i read about it, it is very interesting. Kiseru is also a long pipe, but made of special metal, there are stories of people in ancient times who used longer version of this pipe, and also they use it as weapon for self defense. Happy Piping everyone.

just getting into smoking pipes, learned alot from your videos so thanks and one request, please make higher quality videos so we can enjoy it more 😊

Just found your wonderful page! Fantastic information and advice! I've subscribed and will most assuredly view all your content. I'm a fairly new pipe smoker, it's an attempt to quit cigarettes.. so far so good

Awesome vid. To many channels out there with the only content being YABO's. Thx again.

Mr. Muttnchop, thank you for your videos! I just got in to pipe tobacco smoking and watched the majority of your videos and they have helped me immensely. I think education is so important to this hobby because people generally give up pipe smoking due to lack of knowledge. When can I smoke with you?! Lol

I have one from flogglewerks it's made of Maplewood smokes really cool. thanks for the great content .

I love my churchwarden, once I discovered them I almost never go back to my others. They smoke much much cooler. I love it.

Great timing on this video. I ordered a Savinelli Quandale 626 rusticated this weekend. I love the Quandale series. I have my eye on a few others. Great video as always. Thanks for all you do!

Thanks for bringing the topic up Chris. From what I gathered over time, there seems to be many origins to the churchwarden pipes, including the ones you quote about putting the long stem out of the window so they would not smoke inside the church. To all these stories, we must add that the Hussars (cavalry troops) from Poland and Hungary who fought along Napoleon did smoke them and some paintings and illustrations represent them with a churchwarden or as they were called then the "Hussar pipes", which finds its origin in the Ottoman Empire. Now, in Germany, they are called a "reading pipe" (Lesepfeife) because you can obviously smoke without having smoke block your view. Whatever the origin, I just love them - one pipe out of four that I own is a churchwarden. My favorites are two Auenland pipes from Vauen (9mm filtered), in which I had memorables bowls.

I really liked the Corncob Churchwarden. A potential purchase, perhaps. Great video, as usual 👍👍👍

Anytime I am looking for a new pipe or blend I always refer to and enjoy your videos.... being a big LOTR nerd- yes Gandolf smoked a pipe like that in the movie, however, in the book it refers explicitly to a "Short Clay" pipe.

As some others have said, the German name for churchwardens is 'Lesepfeife', or 'reading pipe'...and the common thread of the dozen or so stories I have heard about 'the reason for churchwardens' is to keep the bowl 'away from the body'...both for reading clearance, AND to keep ashes off of their 'Sunday-best clothes' while walking the property and grounds (in event of wind...doing much the same job as an Old Army Old 21 Pipe with its 'wind cap').

Churchwarden will be my first pipe thank you! Its a badass pipe!

I'm no smoker but if I ever would start to pipesmoke a churchwarden would be my choice. Very beautiful type of pipe

Great video, mister. I am a fan of Churchwarden pipes because they cool down the temperature of the tobacco thanks to their long stem and also because I love the look they have to them. I've heard all of these stories except for the one that says you could sit your pipe on your chest. Regarding to the church, I think there are different and contradictory stories, I've heard the one you mention about the smoker being able to keep the bowl outside through the window but also another one that says the contrary: that pipe smoking was apparently common during church services and the long stem enabled people to sit the pipe on top of the next pew in front of them. Thanks for the video and happy piping! Héctor

Churchwardens are the perfect lazy house pipe. You have no idea how much physical movement you perform while smoking a pipe until you've sat back with a churchwarden, smoking without even having to support the weight of the stummel. Relaxing to the max!

Sweet! Been waiting for you too upload a good in-depth Churchwarden video! Ordering my FIRST pipe(a Churchwarden from Peterson) and some tobacco that was recommend by you. Thanks for all the help and advice. Cant wait to get my pipe and tobacco so I can pack a bowl and watch LOTR. Anyways, thanks for the help man.

No way you done a vid on churchwarden it's my favorite thanks also i think it cools the smoke down having to traveling so far down the long stems

I personally like that the churchwarden doesn’t burn your tongue as bad as the short stem.

As a fantasy/mythology nerd, churchwardens are 💯% my favorites

You should have a meet and greet. A bunch of the pipe community can come together and enjoy a bowl together

In the 18th Century clay pipes were very common. Long stemmed clay pipes represented wealth and class. Longer the stem, the classier the man 😄

Muttnchop, great video as always. I have a few churchwardens myself, two of them I carved. They are great fun to smoke, especially for their cooling effect. I also really enjoy my clay tavern pipe, though am keen to try one that has the wax coating on the stem near the smoking hole (apparently this helps keep ones lips from sticking to the stem).

Love your videos Muttnchop. Very nice relaxing and informative vibe! A churchwarden is on my imminent 'to get' list!

Hello Sir, You are my lovely channel so far.

my family went to catholic mass on saturday evenings, as it was shorter than sundays mass by 1/2 hour, because my dad couldn't go more than 45 minutes without freaking out from tobacco withdrawal! (plus we didn't have to sing on sat. either!).

As a new pipe smoker I really like my shire cobbet pipe

Excellent vid Chris. Congrats. I liked it a lot. Thanks.

I’m sure it might have been mentioned but my understanding was it helped them to maintain their night vision while watching the grounds at night.

Rip lemmy

Great video and stories Keep up the good work

Getting my first savinelli in two days, it happens to be a churchwarden. Looking forward to a nice cool smoke

It appears from the limited research I did it has everything to do with line of sight. Primarily a churchwardens night watch of the church and to not obscure line of sight with smoke while reading.

Very informative, another good video.

Hi Chris, I could be wrong, but I have the feeling that the main reason for churchwardens having so long stems was to cool down the temperature of the smoke coming from the pot in order to avoid the tongue bite plus as well as there were no filters at that time the long stems were doing the role of those filters by reducing the amount of the moisture reaching the tongue of the smoker. Thanks.

I like my long stem pipe. If i cross my arms while i recline, I can rest the bowl on my arms, or even lean it against my shoulder when i'm sitting down if I look somewhat to the side. Smoke doesn't get in my eyes if i'm not mindful of how hot i'm getting sometimes. An excellent small bowl option for smoking and driving. Long stems are awesome for that.

Hey I think I know. I think I was reading a pirate history book or something. Anyway, they would make 'churchwardens' out of clay. You could go to a bar and order a bowl, for the next guy, you just snap off an inch of the pipe and now the next guy can order a bowl at the bar. Now you don't have to make a new one-use-pipe for every bar patron.

Great video about churchwardens I have the cobbit shire churchwarden always smoke it. Have a Happy Memorial Day muttonchop 🇺🇸

Interesting topic and informative as always. I have a few churchwardens but haven't picked them up recently because of the difficulty of clenching such a long stem. I'm going to give them another try.

I have a hard time with the breath method since I don't enjoy clenching my pipes. Churchwardens are definitely a favorite for all the reasons mentioned (especially smoking at church)

Hi. Thanks very much for your informative videos. I have now watched many your videos. But, I would like to see an informative clip on various shapes of pipes and how they would affect pipesmoking.

I don't smoke, just interesting content

I Love Churchwardens when smoking strong mixtures, although I don't own none but Savinelli Bing favorite pipe which combinate churchwardes and straight billiard in one,being more suited to everyday use ,as Your Savinelli here, I do know very well this savinelli type Bowl and I love it, very versatile , I have one Savinelli 313 prince which has this bowl shape,yet good quality churchwardens are not cheap pipes, very good model recommedations you gave here,another pipe model I like is that of calbass pipe with meerchaum bowl, Calebass as churchwardens do provide smoker with the coolest smoking experience ever, Thank You and Have a Great Memorial Day, Greets, Paul

I was watching your video on churchwarden pipes from my hometown in Belgium. Churchwarden pipes over here are often referred to as Reader pipes. The story goes, especially for the Netherlands, that due to the long stem, the bowl of the pipe could rest on a table while reading or talking to other people. Don't know if it is true, but that is the story I heard.

I love the smoking qualities of a good churchwarden pipe. My only issue with them has been the cleaning. With such a long stem it makes cleaning a little more difficult.

Great video and very informative. Thank you!

That Savinelli quandale is a very handsome pipe!

Great video thanks for sharing that story! I had a good laugh 😆 👍

Muttnchop!!! Thanks my friend I always wondered why it was called that.. Great video my friend take care hope you had a great weekend 🇺🇸👊👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I think one of the reason for long stem was just fashion. Let’s not forget that “pipe of the XVII century” was Dutch small clay pipe with long wooden stem, so maybe churchwarden was kind of continuation of traditions and classic forms