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Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures
Often seen combing the shoreline of the River Thames at low tide, groups of archaeology enthusiasts known as 'mudlarks' continue a tradition that dates back to the eighteenth century. Over the years they have found a vast array of historical artefacts providing glimpses into the city's past. Objects lost or discarded centuries ago - from ancient river offerings such as the Battersea Shield and Waterloo Helmet, to seventeenth-century trade tokens and even medals for bravery - have been discovered in the river. This book explores a fascinating assortment of finds from prehistoric to modern times, which collectively tell the rich and illustrious story of London and its inhabitants.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 22, 2021
The Society of Thames Mudlarks & Antiquarians (what a wonderful name!) was founded in 1980. Members, who need a special permit to search the mudflats, have donated many thousands of items to the Museum of London and some of them illustrate this interesting book. They range from a megalodon tooth, to 17th century lead seals from the Company of Royal Adventurers Trading to Africa, to medals and other memorabilia from both world wars. The format is a chronological potted history of London, written in very simple language so that I wondered if it’s aimed more at children than adults. The photography is excellent and the range of objects fascinating. I can imagine buying this as a reminder of a visit to the museum.
With thanks to Osprey Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy.
With thanks to Osprey Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy.
July 23, 2021
Have you ever dreamed of going on a treasure hunt?
But did you believe that this was something you could only experience via books and movies?
Think again!
"Mudlarking is an amazing hobby which brings people into real contact with history."
Ian Smith, a founding member and long-serving chairman of The Society of Thames Mudlarks & Antiquarians
Mudlarking is something everybody can do - even tourists - at the River Thames in London (UK).
Jason Sandy and Nick Stevens are experienced mudlarks and together they wrote the perfect introduction to their fascinating hobby!
Despite the fact that this book counts only 97 pages, you'll be amazed by the amount of info that's offered and by the beautiful pictures.
"We are unable to travel back in time, but by finding an object which has not been touched since it was lost hundreds or even thousands of years ago, it is possible to develop a greater understanding of the people who lived at that time."
Jason Sandy and Nick Stevens, Thames Mudlarking (2021)
Because of its close proximity to the sea, the water level of the River Thames in London fluctuates by at least 7 metres with the incoming and outgoing tides, twice a day.
When it's low tide and the murky water of the river slowly recedes, the exposed riverbed in London becomes the longest archaeological site in the UK.
Lots of historically significant artefacts can then be found just by walking around on the exposed foreshore. There exist a variety of methods to search for interesting objects: some do it 'by eye' while others use a trowel, sieve or metal detector. But it all comes down to the same thing: "the act of searching the riverbed for historical treasures". And that's what mudlarking is all about.
The reason why these objects are well preserved is that they've been protected thanks to the dense and anaerobic (oxygen-free) mud.
How come then that daily new objects can be found? Well, this has to do with the fact that they get exposed by erosion and the waves of passing boats.
"Ever since man first quenched his thirst in its waters, he has left his mark on the riverbed."
Ivor Noël Hume, Treasure in the Thames (1956)
There's already been 2.000 years of human activity along the River Thames.
Can you imagine the amount of objects that were discarded or lost unintentionally in its waters during all those years?
The authors present some of the most extraordinary artefacts in chronological order. From the most historically significant, beautiful masterpieces (such as the Battersea Shield and Waterloo Helmet) to ornate personal items such as jewellery and fashion accessories which reveal the popular styles throughout the ages. The range of discussed (and almost always illustrated) artefacts is very broad. This gives you an interesting view on the evolution of London throughout history and also on time-related customs.
Not everything is told in detail. But this introduction certainly mentions lots of names and events, which form a good starting point for the readers who want to search for more info. One of the most interesting and respectful aspects of this book is that for every item that's discussed (and there are a lot of them) credits are given to the mudlarks who found the objects. That way you can search on the internet for more information about these people and you often find beautiful pictures and interesting articles.
"It's not what you find, it's what you find out."
Professor David Hurst Thomas
During the 19th century, the original Victorian mudlarks (mostly children) scavenged for anything on the exposed riverbed which they could sell in order to survive.
Current mudlarks however are often people who're interested in history and in expanding our knowledge of past generations.
In 1980, the Society of Thames Mudlarks & Antiquarians was founded and the members were granted a special mudlarking licence from the Port of London Authority, which recorded the extraordinary artefacts found by Society members.
To this very day, it's mandatory to obtain a Thames Foreshore Permit from the Port of London Authority before you go mudlarking and all objects from 300 years or older must be reported to the Museum of London. These are then recorded on the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), an online database which can be consulted on https://finds.org.uk
There's also a new project to which the authors contribute: the Thames Museum.
It will be specifically dedicated to the history and archaeology of the River Thames and the most important aspect will be 'hands-on history'.
The latest news about this project can be found on the website www.thamesmuseum.org
Do you want more?
You can head over to my blog World of Tau to see a movie in which Jason Sandy takes us along on a virtual mudlarking tour and shows some of his magnificent discoveries.
There are also more links to books and websites about the interesting subject of mudlarking.
And who knows?
Maybe someday you'll discover some treasures yourself at the River Thames!
*Thanks to NetGalley and Osprey Publishing for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2021
I must admit I've been fascinated by this subject for a few years now so I couldn't wait to read this and it proved well worth my time.It opens with a description about just who and what mudlarkers are and then moves on to discuss the finds by time periods.Who found what along with photos and perhaps some history on the object.It seemed a little disorganized at times because the chapters were titled a little strangely such as,"War,Fire,Love"or "Keep Calm and Carry on," and the like.I thought the author should just title the chapters by time periods to make it make a little more sense.Other than that I found everything highly interesting.My favorite objects being in the Medieval and Tudor periods.At the end the author offers up information about how you can get into Mudlarking yourself and provides some details about a Thames River museum opening in the future designed to give the history of the river it's self along with the many,many finds.I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
February 14, 2022
Dissappointing.
February 14, 2022
Oh dear. I really want someone to write a good reference book on mudlarking because this book isn't it. I'm an archaeologist and ex mudlark (when I lived in London) and I read this book in horror. I know it's just a Shire book, but that doesn't excuse the number of factual errors in it. It reads like a school project, a bad school project, or an attempt at a children's book, but it isn't a children's book. I don't know what it is apart from terrible. I can only think so many people have read it because there is relatively little out there on the subject, but mudlarking deserves better than this!
May 1, 2021
I would like to thank netgalley and Osprey Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting look into mudlarking. Beautiful pictures and a very basic history of London.
An interesting look into mudlarking. Beautiful pictures and a very basic history of London.
April 9, 2021
Was expecting a much better book. Very short and limited information. Repetitive naming of who found the stuff really got on my nerves and isn't interesting.
May 17, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Thames Mudlarking is a fascinating look at the a niche modern archaeology obsession, searching for lost and abandoned treasures presented by Jason Sandy & Nick Stevens. Due out 18th May 2021 from Bloomsbury on their Shire imprint, it's 96 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now).
I was captivated at a very early age by stories of treasure. I grew up in an area of the USA which provided a wealth of hunting opportunities for indigenous artifacts after every summer storm. In fact I *still* have a carefully grooved, shaped, and well used stone hammer which is thousands of years old on my bookshelf. I'm fascinated by the people who lived and valued these objects and lost them or possibly tossed them into rivers to be found by people not-yet-dreamt-of to find and treasure.
This book resonated on a visceral level with me. I loved seeing every one of the pictures and reading the accompanying stories. The introduction (who, what, where, how, and not least *why*), is followed by thematic chapters elucidating different time periods, uses, and classes of items, from fossils to ceremonial items, votives and offerings, coins and, well, pretty much anything in between which might've been dumped or lost into the Thames throughout time.
The book is illustrated throughout with photos from the authors' personal collections as well as stock photos. There are an amazing variety of items both precious and utterly mundane. Some of the ones which really touched me were the toys, lost or abandoned throughout time. I was reminded of my own experience as a child losing a beloved toy over the side of a ferry, lost forevermore.
This is emphatically *not* a how-to guide, although enough information is provided on how to contact The Society of Thames Mudlarks & Antiquarians (and presumably they can point enthusiastic would-be mudlarks toward the proper licenses and permits and safety instructions). The authors have included a short list of resources for further reading and information as well as an abbreviated index.
This would make a superlative selection for library or classroom acquisition, or for fans of archaeology and history.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Thames Mudlarking is a fascinating look at the a niche modern archaeology obsession, searching for lost and abandoned treasures presented by Jason Sandy & Nick Stevens. Due out 18th May 2021 from Bloomsbury on their Shire imprint, it's 96 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available now).
I was captivated at a very early age by stories of treasure. I grew up in an area of the USA which provided a wealth of hunting opportunities for indigenous artifacts after every summer storm. In fact I *still* have a carefully grooved, shaped, and well used stone hammer which is thousands of years old on my bookshelf. I'm fascinated by the people who lived and valued these objects and lost them or possibly tossed them into rivers to be found by people not-yet-dreamt-of to find and treasure.
This book resonated on a visceral level with me. I loved seeing every one of the pictures and reading the accompanying stories. The introduction (who, what, where, how, and not least *why*), is followed by thematic chapters elucidating different time periods, uses, and classes of items, from fossils to ceremonial items, votives and offerings, coins and, well, pretty much anything in between which might've been dumped or lost into the Thames throughout time.
The book is illustrated throughout with photos from the authors' personal collections as well as stock photos. There are an amazing variety of items both precious and utterly mundane. Some of the ones which really touched me were the toys, lost or abandoned throughout time. I was reminded of my own experience as a child losing a beloved toy over the side of a ferry, lost forevermore.
This is emphatically *not* a how-to guide, although enough information is provided on how to contact The Society of Thames Mudlarks & Antiquarians (and presumably they can point enthusiastic would-be mudlarks toward the proper licenses and permits and safety instructions). The authors have included a short list of resources for further reading and information as well as an abbreviated index.
This would make a superlative selection for library or classroom acquisition, or for fans of archaeology and history.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 1, 2021
Buried treasuring spanning thousands of years is found daily on the River Thames in London by those mudlarkers who sift through the layers which constantly change with the tide. Two hours' searching per day is the small window of opportunity but what a productive and satisfying window it can be! The photographs of the discoveries are sublime...it would be a dream come true for so many of us to find even one historically or culturally important object.
So much action occurred hundreds and thousands of years ago in ports and the main method of transport was obviously boats and ships. Discoveries centuries later teach us a lot about history, archaeology and culture and wow, this book is a superb account! Thankfully the Museum of London displays finds. Discoveries of anything 300+ years old must be reported and mudlarkers require permits. The authors, mudlarkers themselves, include photographs of skull fragments, flints, Battersea shield (gorgeous!), rare Celtic coins, the Oldbury bead (fascinating!), Roman brooches, Emperor Hadrian coins, fish traps, sword pommel, military toys and ancient floor tiles, Not only are we shown these artefacts but are told stories including about memento rings tossed into the river by jilted lovers, currency, drinking from bearded stoneware jugs and smashing them after, the pins Tudor women wore to fasten clothes in place, evidence of rickets on skeletons, ornate shoe buckles and special carbonated drink bottles.
A new Thames Museum will showcase these objects and their history...a marvelous idea. In the back of the book you will also find a list of related places to visit in London. I've been to a few but need to add more to the list. Thank you!
Anyone even remotely interested in treasure hunting and reading about history needs to seek this out. Many a-ha! moments.
My sincere thank you to Osprey Publishing and NetGalley! Much appreciated.
So much action occurred hundreds and thousands of years ago in ports and the main method of transport was obviously boats and ships. Discoveries centuries later teach us a lot about history, archaeology and culture and wow, this book is a superb account! Thankfully the Museum of London displays finds. Discoveries of anything 300+ years old must be reported and mudlarkers require permits. The authors, mudlarkers themselves, include photographs of skull fragments, flints, Battersea shield (gorgeous!), rare Celtic coins, the Oldbury bead (fascinating!), Roman brooches, Emperor Hadrian coins, fish traps, sword pommel, military toys and ancient floor tiles, Not only are we shown these artefacts but are told stories including about memento rings tossed into the river by jilted lovers, currency, drinking from bearded stoneware jugs and smashing them after, the pins Tudor women wore to fasten clothes in place, evidence of rickets on skeletons, ornate shoe buckles and special carbonated drink bottles.
A new Thames Museum will showcase these objects and their history...a marvelous idea. In the back of the book you will also find a list of related places to visit in London. I've been to a few but need to add more to the list. Thank you!
Anyone even remotely interested in treasure hunting and reading about history needs to seek this out. Many a-ha! moments.
My sincere thank you to Osprey Publishing and NetGalley! Much appreciated.
April 13, 2021
4 stars
Explore the history of thousands of years of life along the Thames through artifacts found on its muddy shores. Documented with photographs & research, this book showcases a wealth of found items & introduces the culture & community of modern day mudlarkers.
[What I liked:]
•I’d read about mudlarkers in a historical context, so it was exciting to see a book on the history & modern context of treasure hunting along the mud flats banking the Thames! For one, I didn’t know there is an association of mudlarkers & antiquarians, & you have to get a permit to go mudlarking, but it’s neat to know the group exists to protect artifacts & as a community for those invested in the hobby.
•The book establishes why the Thames is such a central part of London (& England’s) history, & how much can be learned from the bits of the past that wash up from it. From pre-historic fossils of flora & fauna, to 20th C. jewelry, this book traces the history of found objects & weaves them all into a story. It’s well written & researched, & I learned a lot.
•The photos are wonderful, showcasing the great variety of artifacts found by mudlarks. There are daily life tools, lost & broken items, & amazing pieces of art left in the water as sacrifices by earlier cultures. The provenance, dating, & context of the items are documented alongside the photographs.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Some of the photos are not very large. Since I read this on Kindle I could zoom in on the photos, though.
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
Explore the history of thousands of years of life along the Thames through artifacts found on its muddy shores. Documented with photographs & research, this book showcases a wealth of found items & introduces the culture & community of modern day mudlarkers.
[What I liked:]
•I’d read about mudlarkers in a historical context, so it was exciting to see a book on the history & modern context of treasure hunting along the mud flats banking the Thames! For one, I didn’t know there is an association of mudlarkers & antiquarians, & you have to get a permit to go mudlarking, but it’s neat to know the group exists to protect artifacts & as a community for those invested in the hobby.
•The book establishes why the Thames is such a central part of London (& England’s) history, & how much can be learned from the bits of the past that wash up from it. From pre-historic fossils of flora & fauna, to 20th C. jewelry, this book traces the history of found objects & weaves them all into a story. It’s well written & researched, & I learned a lot.
•The photos are wonderful, showcasing the great variety of artifacts found by mudlarks. There are daily life tools, lost & broken items, & amazing pieces of art left in the water as sacrifices by earlier cultures. The provenance, dating, & context of the items are documented alongside the photographs.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Some of the photos are not very large. Since I read this on Kindle I could zoom in on the photos, though.
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
March 10, 2021
Who knew that a timeline of of London's history from the Ice Age to present could be traced through the archaeological record in the mud of the Thames? This lovely little book chronicles the discoveries of Mudlarks, archaeology hobbyists who explore the mud of the Thames at low tide. It's a great overview of what lies in the river. Moreover, it's a nice, comprehensive timeline of London displayed through finds while including a little bit about what it is to be a mudlark as well.
May 30, 2021
Interesting overview of the finds of the Thames
February 21, 2021
Such a fascinating time machine! Absolutely loved the book and recommend getting a physical copy to enjoy the many photographs.
My full review is over on my blog: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
My full review is over on my blog: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
January 17, 2026
A really solid introduction to mudlarking, the practice of searching the Thames foreshore for discarded objects, that's also sure to have some new details for those with more experience.
Includes the history of mudlarking itself, then runs from fossils and pre-history through to WW2 and modern objects. The book is wonderfully illustrated full of detailed colour photos, which are sadly lacking from a lot of books on mudlarking which makes it difficult to picture the items being described.
There's a strong emphasis on the importance of everyday objects and how they connect to the average person of the time.
Includes the history of mudlarking itself, then runs from fossils and pre-history through to WW2 and modern objects. The book is wonderfully illustrated full of detailed colour photos, which are sadly lacking from a lot of books on mudlarking which makes it difficult to picture the items being described.
There's a strong emphasis on the importance of everyday objects and how they connect to the average person of the time.
March 6, 2021
This short book (90+ pages), is an introduction to mudlarking, a long-lived tradition in London and elsewhere along the Thames river. Mudlarks are people who walk along the foreshore of the river at low tide, looking for items of interest in the mud. Mudlarks were historically poor children looking for things they could sell, like rope and metal, to support themselves. Now, mudlarks are people more interested in the history of their finds than in their monetary value. A permit is required to go mudlarking, and you are also required to report your finds to local museums.
The book has a short overview of the history of mudlarking, but is mostly focused on past finds, which are organized by era. The photographs are wonderful and I wish there were more of them and that they were bigger. The text briefly describes each era and then some of the more notable finds from that era, each of which is pictured.
I found the chapter titles oddly confusing. For example, "Vanity and Sex," "Opulence and Witchcraft," and "Death and Decadence," make it seem like the finds are divided by theme, rather than era. The author may have been trying to create interest, but these titles are unhelpful. Were vanity and sex only prevalent in Roman London? Death and decadence only in the 18th century? Just to write those sentences, I had to look up in the book which eras they represent because it's not obvious.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, although, as I say, I wish it was more of a coffee table book, with lots of big glossy pictures, as it's doubtful that many of the readers are going to make it to London to see all the finds in person at museums there. The book is rather an odd duck. It feels like a souvenir catalog or "coming attractions" advertisement for the Thames Museum that he mentions will be opening eventually and will be dedicated to the history of the river and will house mudlark finds. He describes the museum's goals and focus in some detail at the end of the book.
I have yet to find the perfect book for me on mudlarking. This isn't quite it, but I do recommend it, especially for people who have never heard of mudlarking.
I received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
The book has a short overview of the history of mudlarking, but is mostly focused on past finds, which are organized by era. The photographs are wonderful and I wish there were more of them and that they were bigger. The text briefly describes each era and then some of the more notable finds from that era, each of which is pictured.
I found the chapter titles oddly confusing. For example, "Vanity and Sex," "Opulence and Witchcraft," and "Death and Decadence," make it seem like the finds are divided by theme, rather than era. The author may have been trying to create interest, but these titles are unhelpful. Were vanity and sex only prevalent in Roman London? Death and decadence only in the 18th century? Just to write those sentences, I had to look up in the book which eras they represent because it's not obvious.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, although, as I say, I wish it was more of a coffee table book, with lots of big glossy pictures, as it's doubtful that many of the readers are going to make it to London to see all the finds in person at museums there. The book is rather an odd duck. It feels like a souvenir catalog or "coming attractions" advertisement for the Thames Museum that he mentions will be opening eventually and will be dedicated to the history of the river and will house mudlark finds. He describes the museum's goals and focus in some detail at the end of the book.
I have yet to find the perfect book for me on mudlarking. This isn't quite it, but I do recommend it, especially for people who have never heard of mudlarking.
I received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
June 17, 2021
A mudlark was a scavenger along the foreshore of the Thames River in the 18th and 19th century. Searching for whatever they could find be it metal, rags, or anything they could find that might be sold for a few pennies. Of course, they also find broken pieces of glass, sewage, decaying corpses - human and animal. Nowadays, mudlarking is a pastime for metal-detector operators and other individuals that search the foreshore during low tide in order to find artifacts.
Jason Sandy has put a book together of finds - many photos included - made in the recent years by some of the current mudlarks - license/permit from the London Port Authority required. Organized chronologically, the oldest piece is a megalodon tooth over 2 million years old into teeth from wooly mammoths and rhinos. Debris and lost items from Neolithic and Bronze Age have been found. And things only get younger from there. An Anglo-Saxon woven reed basket, Roman dice and an emperor's bust. Coins from Saxon pennies and nearly all the reigns since then. Trade or merchant tokens. Weapons and beads and jewelry and brooches and hair pins and military medals.
Practically everything can be kept by the finder unless its over 300 years old which must be reported to the Museum of London under the 1996 Treasure Act. Most 'professional' mudlarks do arrange for a regular appointment to record the artifacts with the Finds Liaison Office.
At the time of the books publishing (2021) there was a hands-on museum in the works which would serve as a classroom for tourists and locals. Described as hands-on since it would also provide tours along the foreshore, giving opportunities to find artifacts - even if it's a blackened piece of a roof tile from the 1666 Fire or a piece of a clay pipe or an ancient bottle. But make sure you're with a guide and get the permit so that you are aware of the rules.
Oh, and pollutions is not as much of a problem as it was centuries ago - well, not the same type of pollution. Less sewage and more discarded plastics.
Personally, sounds like a fun touristy thing to do when visiting London.
2021-123
Jason Sandy has put a book together of finds - many photos included - made in the recent years by some of the current mudlarks - license/permit from the London Port Authority required. Organized chronologically, the oldest piece is a megalodon tooth over 2 million years old into teeth from wooly mammoths and rhinos. Debris and lost items from Neolithic and Bronze Age have been found. And things only get younger from there. An Anglo-Saxon woven reed basket, Roman dice and an emperor's bust. Coins from Saxon pennies and nearly all the reigns since then. Trade or merchant tokens. Weapons and beads and jewelry and brooches and hair pins and military medals.
Practically everything can be kept by the finder unless its over 300 years old which must be reported to the Museum of London under the 1996 Treasure Act. Most 'professional' mudlarks do arrange for a regular appointment to record the artifacts with the Finds Liaison Office.
At the time of the books publishing (2021) there was a hands-on museum in the works which would serve as a classroom for tourists and locals. Described as hands-on since it would also provide tours along the foreshore, giving opportunities to find artifacts - even if it's a blackened piece of a roof tile from the 1666 Fire or a piece of a clay pipe or an ancient bottle. But make sure you're with a guide and get the permit so that you are aware of the rules.
Oh, and pollutions is not as much of a problem as it was centuries ago - well, not the same type of pollution. Less sewage and more discarded plastics.
Personally, sounds like a fun touristy thing to do when visiting London.
2021-123
February 15, 2022
My Grade = 95% - A
Published 2021. 92 pages - packed with photos.
I first started Mudlarking on the Thames River in London sometime in the late 1990’s while waiting for a performance of Hamlet at the New Globe Theatre (which opened in 1997). I was wishing very deeply that I could access the shores of this tidal river (which rises and falls 21 feet twice a day), when to my great astonishment discovered a set of very wide concrete steps leading from the Queen’s Jubilee Walk down to the shore. I since discovered several sets of steps on the South Bank and one on the North Bank, just off St Paul’s Cathedral and almost under the Milennium Bridge.
It was my last available time that summer. I even skipped the second of three act divisions of Hamlet, but had to return as the tide was coming in.
I since have learned to check the Tide Tables of the Port of London at London Bridge (not where I was, but close enough). Since then until 2014, I have travelled to London twice a year to do my mudlarking.
I have discovered that the best places to find “cool stuff” on the surface of the North shore are under the Milennium Bridge from Blackfriar’s Bridge to about 50 yards east of the Millenium Bridge and on the South Bank from the New Globe Theatre west to the National Theatre just near the pedestrian Hungerford Bridge that connects Charing Cross Station to the South Bank.
I have found many great treasures from the past, but nothing of any monetary value and not one single coin.
As for this book it was great!
Since my last trip I have learned that now any potential mudlarker must obtain a Thames Foreshore Permit from the Port of London Authority and must be a member of the Society of Thames Mudlarks & Antiquarians. Seems like a lot of trouble to go to to pick up a few pieces of broken dishes or beach glass.....
Published 2021. 92 pages - packed with photos.
I first started Mudlarking on the Thames River in London sometime in the late 1990’s while waiting for a performance of Hamlet at the New Globe Theatre (which opened in 1997). I was wishing very deeply that I could access the shores of this tidal river (which rises and falls 21 feet twice a day), when to my great astonishment discovered a set of very wide concrete steps leading from the Queen’s Jubilee Walk down to the shore. I since discovered several sets of steps on the South Bank and one on the North Bank, just off St Paul’s Cathedral and almost under the Milennium Bridge.
It was my last available time that summer. I even skipped the second of three act divisions of Hamlet, but had to return as the tide was coming in.
I since have learned to check the Tide Tables of the Port of London at London Bridge (not where I was, but close enough). Since then until 2014, I have travelled to London twice a year to do my mudlarking.
I have discovered that the best places to find “cool stuff” on the surface of the North shore are under the Milennium Bridge from Blackfriar’s Bridge to about 50 yards east of the Millenium Bridge and on the South Bank from the New Globe Theatre west to the National Theatre just near the pedestrian Hungerford Bridge that connects Charing Cross Station to the South Bank.
I have found many great treasures from the past, but nothing of any monetary value and not one single coin.
As for this book it was great!
Since my last trip I have learned that now any potential mudlarker must obtain a Thames Foreshore Permit from the Port of London Authority and must be a member of the Society of Thames Mudlarks & Antiquarians. Seems like a lot of trouble to go to to pick up a few pieces of broken dishes or beach glass.....
March 4, 2021
This is an ARC review. Many thanks to Osprey Publishing and Netgalley.
I have an enduring fascination with mudlarking. Perhaps it's my Anglophilia or my love of all things historical (paleophilia?), but I'm just absolutely entranced by the breadth of artifacts found on the shores of the Father of Rivers - not to mention the mystery of what is left to be found. It was, therefore, a no-brainer that I would go for this book.
I previously read Lara Maiklem's Mudlark and found it thoroughly fascinating, aside from her propensity for hubris (see my review of that here). Sandy's/Steven's Thames Mudlarking has a different vibe; it reads more like a museum booklet (not a bad thing). Sandy and Stevens provide a concise history of the Thames, but mostly look at important individual finds over the years. They mention many notable mudlarks and their contributions to the art, as well as the different historical societies and organizations centered around mudlarking and the preservation of Thames history. Most notably, they write of the in-progress Thames Museum, which will showcase mudlarking finds through the years. I think this book is largely a PR exercise for that Thames Museum, which accounts for its aforementioned "museum booklet" vibe. Again, however, that vibe is not a bad thing - in fact, in many ways it is a strong suit; it allows this book to be informative and interesting, while being exceptionally readable and accessible for all ages and backgrounds. My only real complaint with this book is that I wanted it to be about 5x longer!
If you have any interest in British history and mudlarking, I highly recommend you start here and then, if your interest is piqued (and it will be), go on to read Maiklem's book.
If anyone needs me I'll be researching mudlarking permits and eagerly awaiting my next trip to London.
I have an enduring fascination with mudlarking. Perhaps it's my Anglophilia or my love of all things historical (paleophilia?), but I'm just absolutely entranced by the breadth of artifacts found on the shores of the Father of Rivers - not to mention the mystery of what is left to be found. It was, therefore, a no-brainer that I would go for this book.
I previously read Lara Maiklem's Mudlark and found it thoroughly fascinating, aside from her propensity for hubris (see my review of that here). Sandy's/Steven's Thames Mudlarking has a different vibe; it reads more like a museum booklet (not a bad thing). Sandy and Stevens provide a concise history of the Thames, but mostly look at important individual finds over the years. They mention many notable mudlarks and their contributions to the art, as well as the different historical societies and organizations centered around mudlarking and the preservation of Thames history. Most notably, they write of the in-progress Thames Museum, which will showcase mudlarking finds through the years. I think this book is largely a PR exercise for that Thames Museum, which accounts for its aforementioned "museum booklet" vibe. Again, however, that vibe is not a bad thing - in fact, in many ways it is a strong suit; it allows this book to be informative and interesting, while being exceptionally readable and accessible for all ages and backgrounds. My only real complaint with this book is that I wanted it to be about 5x longer!
If you have any interest in British history and mudlarking, I highly recommend you start here and then, if your interest is piqued (and it will be), go on to read Maiklem's book.
If anyone needs me I'll be researching mudlarking permits and eagerly awaiting my next trip to London.
March 12, 2021
I have an interest in objects which have been discovered after many years of being buried. Whether it is fossils found on beaches, to Roman finds at Archaeological sites. I I have heard about Mudlarking before, and had seen a few videos on social media, but I wasn't sure if they were authentic or not. When I heard about this book I was very interested to read it. This book is quite short, and it is divided into sections to make it easier to read. I didn't find that the section titles necessarily fitted the chapters. They were in chronological order, which didn't necessarily fit the sections. The photo quality in this book is excellent. The explanation and history could have been a bit more detailed, but it was explained well and easy to understand. I found it fascinating that in a part of the Thames which is only accessible for short amounts of time can have such rich and varied finds. Some of the more recent finds are fossils and prehistoric bones which have been preserved by the mud. Such a small area can show a huge amount of history. I knew that these days you need a license for Mudlarking, but it only used to be done by the poorest members of society, usually children. It is good that most finds go to the Museum of London, and there are plans for a dedicated Museum. I found this book was interesting and informative. It has definitely piqued my interest, and I would love to learn more about Mudlarking. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
January 7, 2021
Thank you to the publishers, Osprey Publishing and Shire Publications, for giving my access to this as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I first came across mudlarking during a deep dive on YouTube in the summer of 2019, and it intrigued me to no end! I found it so cool that you could head down to the Thames foreshore and happen upon historical artifacts just lying, or sticking up from, the mud and stones. So very, very cool and thought provoking. Make you really think about the people who stayed in the city (the world, really) before you, doesn't it?
Sandy and Stevens book is a short, but very informative, go-through of the different time periods from which different mudlarks have been able to find finds from – all from the pre-historic times to today’s garbage and religious offerings. The book is clearly separated into chapters for each of these time periods, making it easy to navigate through the book. There’s also pictures with the finds described to further illustrate the text.
The book also contains information on how to start mudlarking yourself, because you do need a permit to actually dig around the foreshore, and you also have to report any find that might be over 300 years old to the authorities.
I first came across mudlarking during a deep dive on YouTube in the summer of 2019, and it intrigued me to no end! I found it so cool that you could head down to the Thames foreshore and happen upon historical artifacts just lying, or sticking up from, the mud and stones. So very, very cool and thought provoking. Make you really think about the people who stayed in the city (the world, really) before you, doesn't it?
Sandy and Stevens book is a short, but very informative, go-through of the different time periods from which different mudlarks have been able to find finds from – all from the pre-historic times to today’s garbage and religious offerings. The book is clearly separated into chapters for each of these time periods, making it easy to navigate through the book. There’s also pictures with the finds described to further illustrate the text.
The book also contains information on how to start mudlarking yourself, because you do need a permit to actually dig around the foreshore, and you also have to report any find that might be over 300 years old to the authorities.
February 20, 2021
I saw this book discussed on Twitter and thought it seemed fascinating, so I was very excited to be given the opportunity to read an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thames Mudlarking: Searching For Lost Treasures is a lovely book for a cosy weekend at home, giving insight into what mudlarking is, the kinds of treasures that have been found to date and how to get involved if it sparks your interest.
There are some gorgeous images of the items discovered and my particular favourites were the everyday objects (a Medieval pewter knight toy lost by a child) and the Roman decorative items (elaborate brooches and hair pins).
The book also provides a bit of brief background to the various historical periods discussed and has some interesting little details – i.e.: how Pudding Lane got its name.
Mudlarking is adding a great deal to our understanding of the past, particularly in respect of ordinary items and the lives of the people who used them, and I would be very interested to visit the Thames Museum to see some of the finds in person one day.
A great coffee table book for anyone with an interest in history and beautiful objects.
Thames Mudlarking: Searching For Lost Treasures is a lovely book for a cosy weekend at home, giving insight into what mudlarking is, the kinds of treasures that have been found to date and how to get involved if it sparks your interest.
There are some gorgeous images of the items discovered and my particular favourites were the everyday objects (a Medieval pewter knight toy lost by a child) and the Roman decorative items (elaborate brooches and hair pins).
The book also provides a bit of brief background to the various historical periods discussed and has some interesting little details – i.e.: how Pudding Lane got its name.
Mudlarking is adding a great deal to our understanding of the past, particularly in respect of ordinary items and the lives of the people who used them, and I would be very interested to visit the Thames Museum to see some of the finds in person one day.
A great coffee table book for anyone with an interest in history and beautiful objects.
January 8, 2021
For a few hours each day, the River Thames in London recedes with the low tide, exposing literally millions of years of history in the mud of its banks. Hobbyists called mudlarks have brought precious artifacts to museums from the river of time, and in the pages of Thames Mudlarking you can see all this history laid before you with expert annotations.
I’m no student of history, so I was edified as well as gratified to read brief historical explanations of the small Anglo-Saxon village of Lundenwic that grew from the mostly-abandoned Roman city of Londinium to become a major international trading center. I had never heard of King Æthelberht of Kent (858–866 CE), but now I’ve seen his face on a penny that ended up in the Thames!
If you don’t plan to be near London or don’t want to acquire a three-year permit for £90, a copy of Thames Mudlarking is the next best thing. Better, in some ways: if you cut yourself handling the pages, you don’t have to worry about getting a disease.
I am grateful to the authors, the publisher, and NetGalley for a free advance review copy.
I’m no student of history, so I was edified as well as gratified to read brief historical explanations of the small Anglo-Saxon village of Lundenwic that grew from the mostly-abandoned Roman city of Londinium to become a major international trading center. I had never heard of King Æthelberht of Kent (858–866 CE), but now I’ve seen his face on a penny that ended up in the Thames!
If you don’t plan to be near London or don’t want to acquire a three-year permit for £90, a copy of Thames Mudlarking is the next best thing. Better, in some ways: if you cut yourself handling the pages, you don’t have to worry about getting a disease.
I am grateful to the authors, the publisher, and NetGalley for a free advance review copy.
February 6, 2021
"Thames Mudlarking" is a breezy overview of a hobby that seems miraculous to someone from the US Midwest--the ability to rock on over to your city's river and find, almost magically, the relics of centuries past. Throughout the book, the authors show off finds of these volunteer archaeologists (called "mudlarks"); the artifacts serve as a quick cultural history of daily life in Britain from its pre-Roman era onwards.
What's good: The overview of all the finds. Each is just stunning.
What I'd wish to see more of: More interviews with the mudlarks (how did they get into it? How often do they find things? How do they even know what they've found?
I mention that only as a wish list on my part. It seems the book's intention, though, is to give us a quick, fascinating look at what mudlarking has shown of daily life in British history, and it does that very well.
(Review from an ARC provided by Netgalley)
What's good: The overview of all the finds. Each is just stunning.
What I'd wish to see more of: More interviews with the mudlarks (how did they get into it? How often do they find things? How do they even know what they've found?
I mention that only as a wish list on my part. It seems the book's intention, though, is to give us a quick, fascinating look at what mudlarking has shown of daily life in British history, and it does that very well.
(Review from an ARC provided by Netgalley)
February 9, 2021
This book is as much a book about mudlarking as it is a little potted history of the Thames as it flows through London. Utterly fascinating and for me worth it for the Roman oil lamp alone! The photographs are stunning and while I read the book on my Kindle I switched to my iPad immediately afterwards and spent a happy hour poring over the pictures.
It is sad that in this throwaway society that so few things from the late 20th and early 21st centuries will survive even with the Thames mud to protect them as they aren’t made to last. I hope the current environmental disaster forces us to change how we make and consume things both for the planet and for future historians!
This is a perfect coffee table book for guests to flick through and I can’t think of anyone I know who wouldn’t find it fascinating once they started reading it even if history isn’t their ‘thing’ which makes it a perfect gift.
It is sad that in this throwaway society that so few things from the late 20th and early 21st centuries will survive even with the Thames mud to protect them as they aren’t made to last. I hope the current environmental disaster forces us to change how we make and consume things both for the planet and for future historians!
This is a perfect coffee table book for guests to flick through and I can’t think of anyone I know who wouldn’t find it fascinating once they started reading it even if history isn’t their ‘thing’ which makes it a perfect gift.
January 7, 2021
This is a fascinating and absorbing account of Thames mudlarking. Mudlarking started with the Victorian scavengers, often children, searching for anything they could sell in order to survive. There is now a Society of Mudlarks and Antiquarians who collaborate with The Museum of London to record the tens of thousands of finds. The range of artefacts is vast - fossils, coins, jewellery, pottery, glass etc. and the finds are outlined in chronological order in twelve chapters. The book is full of wonderful photographs of found artefacts along with an explanation of their history and the name of their finder. An engrossing read that makes me want to venture along the river in search of some 'treasure' myself. Thank you to Jason Sandy and Nick Stevens, Net Galley and Bloomsbury publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2021
Mudlarking has seen a huge revival in recent years and, as a consequence, a few books have been published on the subject, This volume however fills a void in the published literature, with hundreds of excellent pictures and exhaustive notes.
Jason Sandy, with her fascinating Youtube videos, made a lot to revive this ancient pastime (actually a way of living up to a few years ago). The passion of Jason for this great hobby perspires from every page.
Living far from the Thames I will not probably ever go mudlarking, but as avid detectorist, I can surely share the fascination of extracting a treasure from the mud. This book will be enjoyed not only from the restricted ring of mudlarkers, but from all people fascinated with history, and in particular the small history that is narrated from everyday things. Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley. Thanks a lot.
Jason Sandy, with her fascinating Youtube videos, made a lot to revive this ancient pastime (actually a way of living up to a few years ago). The passion of Jason for this great hobby perspires from every page.
Living far from the Thames I will not probably ever go mudlarking, but as avid detectorist, I can surely share the fascination of extracting a treasure from the mud. This book will be enjoyed not only from the restricted ring of mudlarkers, but from all people fascinated with history, and in particular the small history that is narrated from everyday things. Absolutely recommended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley. Thanks a lot.
Read
January 29, 2021If you are a treasure hunter, nature lover, history buff, observer of life - you will love this book. I enjoyed Lara Maiklem's Mudlark book, and follow her page and a Mudlarking group on social media - despite living in the Midwest United States. I may not be able to apply for a permit and wander the Thames myself, but seeing the finds and their historical significance is fascinating. Sandy and Stevens made a book that I enjoyed just as much. The photography is sharp and clean, and I found the chapters well ordered. The accompanying historical information is anything but dry - my family was treated to quite a few "Did you know..." moments as I read through the book. If anything, the book felt a bit short. I would have liked more artifacts and maybe some tales about mudlarkers themselves.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 28, 2021
Twice a day, the River Thames undergoes high tide which stirs up the river bottom and centuries of detritus buried in it. At low tide, people search the riverbanks, collecting the newly exposed treasures. This was not exactly l what I expected, but I love what it is. I thought it would be an interesting picture book cataloguing some interesting historical items. And while there ARE dozens of color photos of found items from From fossils and arrowheads to bejeweled cufflinks and Georgian buckles to a full skull, these photos are an intrinsic part of a unique telling of the history of London, This was a fascinating book that I am looking forward to rereading... and mudlarking in the Thames has just been added to my bucket list.
Thanks to NetGalley and Osprey Publishing for the opportunity to read Thames Mudlarking in return for my honest opinions.
Thanks to NetGalley and Osprey Publishing for the opportunity to read Thames Mudlarking in return for my honest opinions.
February 1, 2021
I would give my right arm to find such wonderful artifacts here in the states! I'd bet walking any river in the old world would find history at one's feet if looking. I walk waterways here, but seldom anything as interesting as the finds listed in this book. I loved that the book was arranged by eras of history of life along the Thames. It was interesting to see what has turned up over the years. Any one interested in seeing what a river, or even a stream, can turn up will enjoy this book. Nice work authors! Loved the photos.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
December 7, 2023
[Shire Publications] (2021). Shire Library 878. SB. 92 Pages. Purchased from Amazon.co.uk.
Informative but somewhat clumsily written. It’s news to me that there are varying degrees of uniqueness; likewise that any ‘gods’ aren’t mythological.
Numerous colour illustrations. Unfortunately they’re often adrift from the relevant text. I can see no good reason for that. It’s a nuisance.
Factual provenance is fascinating; speculation (which is rife) extraneous - I’d like more of the former; replacing all of the latter.
Sources of Further Reading listed along with Places to Visit. Indexed.
Informative but somewhat clumsily written. It’s news to me that there are varying degrees of uniqueness; likewise that any ‘gods’ aren’t mythological.
Numerous colour illustrations. Unfortunately they’re often adrift from the relevant text. I can see no good reason for that. It’s a nuisance.
Factual provenance is fascinating; speculation (which is rife) extraneous - I’d like more of the former; replacing all of the latter.
Sources of Further Reading listed along with Places to Visit. Indexed.
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