DOS AND DON’TS OF MUDLARKING

A few things to know before you go hunting for treasure or artefacts in the Thames

DO GET A LICENSE:

The Thames foreshore is governed by the Port of London authority, and anyone wanting to go mudlarking there requires a license, even for eyesonly searching.

DO CHECK THE TIDES:

A Putney church has “Tide and Time wait for no man” painted below its sundial. Make sure you know when the tide will turn or you may get trapped by the incoming water.

DON’T GET TRAPPED:

The difference between high and low tide in the Thames in central London is around seven metres – the water comes in quickly. Be sure you know how to get off the foreshore.

DO GET UP CLOSE:

Many of the artefacts from the Thames can be found by just casting your eyes across the surface of the foreshore, but there are delights to be found if you get closer. A mudlarking license lets you dig down 7.5 centimetres to see what is lurking below the surface.

DO RECORD THE LOCATION OF YOUR FINDS:

The Thames is the largest archaeological site in the capital, and mudlarks do a great deal to help map what it contains. If you find something that looks like it may be of interest, mark the spot as closely as you can.

DON’T GET STUCK IN THE MUD:

Thames mud is marvellous in its ability to preserve delicate items, but it can also form a treacherous morass. Unwary mudlarks have been known to lose their wellies to sucking patches of mud. Don’t get in too deep.

DO WASH YOUR HANDS:

The Thames may not be the stinking river of the past, but it can still contain raw sewage after heavy rains and other nasties at the best of times. ‘Thames Tummy’ is not something you want to bring home with you.