Through History
Two mudlarks, searching for lost artefacts at low tide, share their fascinating finds with us
Mudlarking treasures of the Thames
Mudlarks Jason Sandy and Nick Stevens have combined their writing and photography skills to produce Thames Mudlarking: Searching For London’s Lost Treasures. For many years amateur archaeologists, called mudlarks, have been searching the foreshores of the River Thames in London, hunting for historical artefacts at low tide. With contributions from more than 50 mudlarks and accompanied by over
160 colour photographs, this intriguing book tells the story of London using some of these amazing discoveries.
Written chronologically, the book begins with prehistory and takes us on an epic journey through time. It features historically significant masterpieces such as the Battersea Shield and Waterloo Helmet, and personal items such as fashion accessories, toys and religious artefacts. Each object tells a unique story and offers us a tantalising glimpse into the past. This book brings them back to life, uncovering new and important information about London’s history.
Jason is an architect and writer, and Nick is a professional photographer. Both have been mudlarking for many years and are members of The Society of Thames Mudlarks.
ANGLO-SAXON ZOOMORPHIC STRAP ENDS
These 9th century Anglo-saxon zoomorphic strap ends were found clustered together. The design shows a beast’s head with flattened ears, and the nose is represented by a vertical groove. The body of the strap end is decorated with a motif of a single branch with leaves projecting from each side.
BELLARMINE JUG
Occasionally mudlarks find fragments of strange bearded faces, like this one on a 16th century Bellarmine jug fragment. These jugs were a type of decorated salt-glazed pottery produced primarily in Frechen and Cologne in Germany and imported into Britain.
MOMENTO MORI RING
This 18th century momento mori is a type of ring that was usually given out at funerals to commemorate the deceased person. Often with initials and dates inscribed on the inside, their morbid style was very popular.
BOAR BADGE
This livery mount from the 15th century shows a boar chained, collared and wearing a crown, and it has a crescent, presumably heraldic, above one of its legs. Badges like these were made for followers of Richard III, Duke of Gloucester, during the Wars of the Roses. © Pas-portable Antiquities scheme, Finder: John Higginbotham
OLDBURY BEAD
Considered to be an ancient ’eye’ bead (c.800100 BCE), it glows brightly when light passes through it. Out of approximately 50 known examples this is the only one to have been found attached to a metal ring, making it a unique find. © Nick Stevens, Finder: John Higginbotham
ROMAN COIN OF HADRIAN
This Roman coin of Hadrian (r.117-138 CE) depicts ‘Britannia’ for the first time on a British coin as the female personification of Britain. After 184 CE, Britannia did not appear again on British coins until 1672 when Charles II placed her on his farthing coins. © Nick Stevens, Finder: Nick Stevens
ROMAN BROOCH
This is the only one of its type found in the UK and dates from 43-410 CE. Cast in the form of a stylised boat, it has a curving prow and the representation of oars or an anchor. © Pas-portable Antiquities scheme, Finder: Jason Davey
MESOLITHIC FLINT ADZE
This Mesolithic flint adze (8,500-4,500 BCE) is of a style commonly found in the Thames Valley. It could have been dropped or deposited by one of the first ‘Londoners’ over 10,000 years ago. This type of cutting and shaping tool would have been attached to a handle of bone or wood. © Nick Stevens, Finder: Nick Stevens