It was during the 18th century when snufftaking rose in popularity and came into widespread use throughout the world and throughout the social classes. The sound of sneezing was common in many a European snuff parlour and snuff boxes became the latest fashion accessory. This century also saw the first warnings about the use of tobacco including a warning from the English doctor John Hill who highlighted the risk that overusing snuff tobacco could lead to nasal cancers.

During the 18th century snuff was sold in private shops but also from door to door by official grinders who would grind your favourite tobacco into snuff ready to be sniffed. This art was soon to die out with the introduction of snuffboxes. Snuffboxes in the 18th century were highly decorated, often made of precious metals and emblazened with jewels. This latest fashion accessory was often changed every day to match the costumes of their owners and would be exchanged as gifts offered as diplomatic or military presents.

Snuff became popularized in the UK largely due to a battle that took place near to Vigo in Spain in 1702. A French squadron and a fleet of Spanish galleons were harboured at Vigo and a detachment of fifteen English and ten Dutch men-of-war were ordered to enter and attempt the destruction of the enemy’s fleet. Vice-Admiral Hopson in the Torbay led the attack but when he got close to the Spanish fleet the weather became calm and left the Torbay in a dangerous position. His rigging was set on fire by a French fire ship and would have been consumed with fire, but the fire ship that had been hastily prepared, was actually a merchant ship full with snuff, which extinguished a lot of the fire!!! Hobson received a knighthood for his part in this battle and the bounty of the Spanish galleons included a vast amount of snuff. This was sold in London, where it was referred to as Spanish, which soon became abbreviated to ‘SP’ and gives its name to the best known stuff to this day.

Governments also saw an advantage with the increased popularity of snuff and in the US in 1794, the first federal tax on tobacco was issued, of 8 cents, on Snuff alone. This was equivalent to about 60% of the snuff’s selling price
The 18th century also saw a number of high profile characters taking to snuff. George III's wife was known as "Snuffy Charlotte", Frederick the Great of Prussia was a big fan, Pope, Benedict XIII took up the habit and the biggest snuffer of them all was in fact Napolean who was said to use up to 7 pounds of snuff a month.

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