Toddy ladle 1718 - 1719

This is a Toddy Ladle, made of silver and wood by Henry Jay, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Objects like this ladle speak to the social rituals around drinking in the period. Toddy, a mix of spirits, sugar, and hot water, was a popular beverage. This ladle is a fascinating window into early modern social life, particularly within the domestic sphere. Henry Jay's ladle embodies the values of refinement and display that were coming into vogue at this time, but it is important to remember that sugar and spirits were not always produced ethically, with many having origins in exploited slave labour. Historians consult probate records, diaries, and trade documents to understand the changing tastes and social practices of a particular period. An object like this ladle provides a tangible link to that past. It highlights how everyday objects are closely tied to the economic and social structures of their time.