Black jack

The 'leather bottel' or 'bombard', as it was sometimes known, was one of the most useful objects in the medieval household. Its qualities as a robust, waterproof container for water and alcoholic beverages were widely praised in contemporary drinking songs, and the name 'leather bottel' was a popular choice for many proprietors of London's alehouses, taverns and inns. Drinks were offered to customers in small, tankard-shaped leather vessels or 'black jacks'. Ale, made from malted barley, was the staple drink in the medieval period. London alehouses tended to attract idle, lewd, young and lazy customers, but attempts to curb excess drinking and unruly behaviour met with limited success.