He was 80 years old, and he had to walk 120 miles back to jail, where he was tried and convicted for being a Catholic priest and for saying Mass. His execution was scheduled for August 22, 1679.

When this day came, the under-sheriff, called Digges, arrived at the gaol and informed the priest that the time had come for his execution. Fr Kemble asked for time to finish his prayers, which was granted. Prayers finished, the venerable old priest expressed the wish to smoke one last pipe before setting out. The under-sheriff, who could not help admiring this grand old man, readily agreed, and smoked a pipe himself to keep him company, and produced some wine as well. (Tigar 83-84)

This episode of sharing a pipe and a drink with his jailer launched a legend, and in Herefordshire, the custom emerged of calling the last pipe of the day a “Kemble pipe.” It’s time that we expanded the usage. It’s a convenient term, and as we ponder over and enjoy our last daily pipes, we have the terminology to better identify them.

from The Kemble Pipe May 16, 2025 by Chuck Stanion in Pipe Line