NEW BOOK: THAMES MUDLARKING

A beautifully illustrated book telling the captivating story of London and its inhabitants through the extraordinary assortment of artefacts discovered by mudlarks along the banks of the River Thames has recently been released – but could it be a precursor to an actual museum?

The answer is yes. Plans for the Thames Museum are currently in the concept phase only as the mudlarks are without a site.

In recent years the trustees of the proposed museum have exhibited in the Oxo Tower and the Tate Modern – and they are eager to find a home on the south bank of the River Thames.

Twice a day as the murky tidal waters of the river slowly recede, the exposed riverbed becomes the longest archaeological site in Britain.

This fact alone makes you wonder why a museum of this kind was not established years ago.

Unique, historically significant artefacts are continually being found in the river, and the Thames Museum will be a place for academics, visitors and school children to research and learn from these extraordinary finds. Currently they are being held in numerous places from the Museum of London to a single mudlark’s home or shed. And some of the most fascinating finds are rarely getting a showing.

17th Century Traders Token. at ‘The Dogg and Ducke in Southwarke 1651.

Nick Stevens, who is also professional photographer and will be known to fans of the History Channel’s ‘Mud Men’ teamed up a with fellow member of the Society of Thames Mudlarks Jason Sandy to release their book ‘Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London’s Lost Treasures’ last month.

This fascinating new book is packed with 160 incredible photographs of intriguing objects discovered by over 50 mudlarks. Each offers a clue to the past and gives us a glimpse at London from megalodon teeth to Roman coins, Georgian shoe buckles and shrapnel from the Blitz.

To read the complete article, see:
A LONG READ: SEE THE LOST TREASURES OF THE THAMES IN A BOOK AND POSSIBLY A MUSEUM (https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/history/a-long-read-see-the-lost-treasures-of-the-thames-in-a-book-and-possibly-a-museum/)

For more information, or to order, see:
Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures (Shire Library) Paperback - May 11, 2021 (https://www.amazon.com/Thames-Mudlarking-Searching-Londons-Treasures/dp/1784424323)
Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures (Shire Library) Paperback – 18 Feb. 2021 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thames-Mudlarking-Searching-Londons-Treasures/dp/1784424323)

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