An unusually pure and massive deposit of graphite was discovered in Borrowdale, Cumberland, England in 1564. Locals initially thought it was a type of lead, hence the term 'lead pencil.' The graphite was soon cut into sticks and used for marking, eventually leading to the development of the modern pencil. This discovery made a new, convenient, and erasable writing tool available.

The graphite pencil became an invaluable tool for poets and writers. Unlike ink, which required a separate inkwell and was permanent, the pencil was portable, could be erased, and allowed for easy drafting and revision. This tool enabled writers like Samuel Pepys to keep detailed diaries and poets like Alexander Pope to compose and edit their verses with unprecedented ease, fostering a more iterative and experimental approach to writing.