History of Pencil

Graphite, a form of coal, was first discovered in Cumbria, north England, about 1500. The locals were confused as the material resembled coal but would not burn. It proved excellent as a sheep marker.
The mines were soon taken over by the Government when a new use was discovered – graphite was found to be excellent for making moulds in the production of cannonballs. In the reign of Elizabeth 1, graphite was transported to London under armed guard.

Graphite was called ‘Wad’ by the locals and a lot of stealing & smuggling took place in the 18th century. In 1752, an Act of Parliament made it an offence to steal or receive ‘Wad’, punishable by hard labour or transportation.

The first written description of a pencil was in 1565. Use of graphite as an art material was much appreciated and graphite was transported throughout Europe by Flemish merchants. It was first used as rough pieces wrapped in sheepskin. The Italians were the first to encase it in wood.
A cottage industry developed and numerous Cumbrian families were employed making pencils by hand.

In 1795, the French discovered that graphite could be mixed with clay and fired in a furnace. This allowed the development of various degrees of hardness and was the beginning of modern-day pencil production.

In Cumbria today, pencil production is carried out at the Derwent Pencil Company where there is a pencil museum.