Leather Leather drinking vessels have been enjoyed for centuries. A very versatile material, leather was used at the same time as pewter, glass and pottery. It was more readily available than pewter, decidedly less costly than glass and did not break like pottery. Leather was also favoured because of its strength allied with its light weight.
All levels of society from alehouses to baronial high tables and abbey cloister used leather tankards and jacks.
The only use forbidden by mid 16th century special edict was the holding of the Sacrament at High Mass.
