Bed warmer

Large stoneware hot water bottle also called a foot warmer. The stoneware hot water bottle was made by Langley Ware of England. Often the stone cap would be replaced with a cork alternative to seal the hot water. The stoneware hot water bottle has its original stone cap and is in excellent condition. Because they were mass produced and very robust many survived so the antique value is not great. Many stoneware hot water bottles are still in use today and will be for years to come.

Bed Pig The stoneware “Bed Pig” in the Maple Ridge Museum collection belonged to Florence Cowin.

Containers for warmth in bed were in use as early as the 16th century. The earliest versions contained hot coals from the dying embers of the fire, and these bed warmers were used to warm the bed before getting into it.

Containers using hot water were soon also used, with the advantage that they could remain in the bed with the sleeper. Prior to the invention of rubber that could withstand sufficient heat, these early hot water bottles were made of a variety of materials, such as glass, ceramic or wood. To prevent burning, the metal hot water flasks were wrapped in a soft cloth bag.

Large stoneware hot water bottle also called a foot warmer. The stoneware hot water bottle below was made by Langley Ware of England. Often the stone cap would be replaced with a cork alternative to seal the hot water. The stoneware hot water bottle below has its original stone cap and is in excellent condition. Because they were mass produced and very robust many survived so the antique value is not great. Many stoneware hot water bottles are still in use today and will be for years to come.