The puzzle jug of John Banner, Watnall 1824
A George IVth period stoneware puzzle jug, the property of Watnall farmer John banner. Written into the jug before firing, "John Banner Watnall Nottinghamshire,Sep 3 1824", along with "Here you may drink and take your fill, but sixpence pay if you do spill." Keeping the tradition of naming the first-born son after the father, the Parish of Greasley and Watnall had a long succession of John Banners, recorded in the Parish as early as 1701, and then well into the 1900s. There are several John Banners buried at St Mary's Church in Greasley. The owner of this puzzle jug is believed to be John Banner who was born in the parish in 1779, and recorded as having a farm in Watnall Chaworth in 1824, and recorded as still being a farmer in the 1841 census. A successful farmer and businessman, John Banner appeared in the Churchwardens' accounts records for The Greasley Parish Church in 1843, supplying coal on February 6th and March 10th, and again on November 5th. He a...