If you’ve ever dreamed of finding buried treasure, there’s a very good chance London’s River Thames has a spot waiting for you. Welcome to the age-old, utterly addictive pastime of mudlarking, where ordinary folks turn into part-time treasure hunters on the riverbanks of London. Picture it: the tide goes out, revealing a mud-soaked shoreline littered with fragments of London’s history, and if you’re lucky—or persistent—you might just spot an ancient Roman coin, a Tudor shoe buckle, or a button lost by a Victorian gentleman. For centuries, people have combed the Thames’ silty banks for whatever the river leaves behind, and these days, mudlarking is more popular than ever.
The Mucky History of Mudlarking
Mudlarking as we know it today isn’t quite as dirty as it once was, but historically, the practice was born out of sheer necessity. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, “mudlarks” were a scrappy band of mostly children, elderly folks, and the poorest of London’s poor. They would search the riverbanks at low tide, hunting for scraps of coal, nails, bones, or metal—anything that could be sold for a few pennies. These were tough times, and mudlarks braved the cold, the muck, and the tides to scrape by in the literal underbelly of London.
Today’s mudlarks are a different breed. Instead of survival, they’re motivated by curiosity, adventure, and, admittedly, a bit of obsession with uncovering relics from London’s past. Unlike their 19th-century counterparts, modern mudlarkers aren’t on the Thames for pennies. Instead, they’re looking to discover pieces of history that the river has stored in its muddy depths for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
Rules of the River: Modern Mudlarking Etiquette
Modern mudlarking is as close to organized treasure hunting as it gets. Because the Thames foreshore (the area exposed at low tide) is an archaeological site, the activity is regulated. You can’t just dig around with a shovel and go home with a bag of artifacts. You’ll need a permit from the Port of London Authority, which offers two levels of mudlarking permissions—one for surface-level finds and a more advanced one if you want to dig deeper. And if you stumble upon a discovery that could be historically significant—like a coin hoard or a particularly rare item—you’re obligated to report it to the Museum of London or the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
While that might sound strict, these rules keep things respectful, making sure finds are catalogued and shared with the public. And don’t be surprised if other mudlarkers lend a hand or offer guidance. There’s a camaraderie here, and seasoned mudlarks love to chat about their finds and help you spot the real treasures.
Mudlarking Gear: Tools of the Trade
For the beginner mudlarker, gear is key—think waterproof boots, rubber gloves, a small bag for finds, and a sturdy stick to poke around the mud. Some mudlarkers swear by kneepads for the inevitable crouching, and others bring along sifters to check for tinier, harder-to-spot treasures. As for fashion, mudlarking couture leans towards the rugged. You’ll want old clothes you don’t mind getting muddy because, well, it’s in the name. Mud. Larking.
Many mudlarkers opt for a mobile phone or notebook to record the exact locations of their finds. Because the Thames is tidal, there’s a limited window each day when the mud is accessible, so timing matters. London’s mudlarks keep one eye on the tide schedules and another on the mud below—there’s a thrill in those few hours when the river pulls back its curtain, revealing whatever history it’s willing to part with for the day.
Finds of the Thames: What You Might Discover
One of the joys of mudlarking is the sheer unpredictability of it all. London is a city that’s seen nearly every kind of human activity, and the river has been its witness, catching and storing bits of life from each era. As you trawl along the foreshore, you might spot an array of “treasures,” each with its own story.
Common finds include shards of Roman pottery, medieval clay pipes, Georgian buttons, and bits of Victorian jewelry. Then there are the animal bones, oyster shells (a cheap food staple back in the day), and, occasionally, bones from long-forgotten pets. One of the most prized finds for many mudlarkers is the elusive “Thames bead”—a glass bead believed to date back to the Iron Age. The most successful mudlarkers even stumble upon gold coins, Tudor-era pins, or engraved tokens, perhaps discarded by a riverboat sailor after a hard night at the tavern.
Then there’s the bizarre stuff, the kind that hints at London’s darker side: rusted pistols, daggers, and even the occasional human skull fragment. These finds are a reminder that London’s history wasn’t always so prim and proper and that the Thames has long been a hiding place for all sorts of secrets.
Famous Mudlarkers and Their Finds
Some mudlarkers have become local celebrities, known for their Instagram accounts or YouTube channels, where they share the most peculiar and fascinating items they’ve uncovered. Notable mudlarkers like Nicola White, who runs the popular Tideline Art, have made careers out of Thames finds, using river glass and metal to create artworks that reflect the city’s layered past. These mudlarkers bring their discoveries to life, showing us how a seemingly ordinary clay pipe stem or button can open a window to another world.
Why We Mudlark
In a city as busy as London, mudlarking offers a meditative escape. It’s quiet on the foreshore, far removed from the bustling streets above. Time slows down as you search for clues from the past, allowing you to lose yourself in the thrill of discovery. The mudlarking community is diverse—from archaeologists to artists, historians to hobbyists—and everyone has their own reason for braving the mud. Some find solace in the river’s quiet rhythm, while others are drawn by the chance to physically connect with the past.
At its heart, mudlarking is more than treasure hunting; it’s about curiosity, connection, and, yes, a bit of muck. It’s a reminder that history is all around us—even lurking in the mud, waiting to be unearthed.
How to get a River Thames Mudlarking Permit
connection, and, yes, a bit of muck. It’s a reminder that history is all around us—even lurking in the mud, waiting to be unearthed.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of digging up London’s past and want to join the mudlarking ranks legally, you’ll need a mudlarking permit. The Thames foreshore is a protected archaeological site, so a permit isn’t just recommended—it’s required.
Permits for mudlarking are issued by the Port of London Authority (PLA). Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to do:
- Visit the Port of London Authority’s website: Head to the PLA’s official site and navigate to the “Recreational Use of the Foreshore” section, where you’ll find all the information you need on mudlarking permits.
- Choose your permit type: The PLA offers two levels of permits:
- Standard Permit: This covers surface-level searching only. Perfect for beginners or those who don’t plan to dig beyond the top layer of mud.
- Deeper Searching Permit: For those who wish to dig beyond the surface (usually up to 7.5cm), you’ll need this advanced permit.
- Apply Online: The application process is straightforward. Fill in the online form and pay the permit fee. As of now, the standard permit costs £85, valid for three years, while the advanced permit costs £175. The application usually includes submitting personal information and agreeing to abide by the PLA’s mudlarking regulations.
- Follow the Rules: Once you have your permit, there are rules to follow, including not using metal detectors without specific permissions and reporting any significant historical finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme or the Museum of London. This ensures that historically valuable discoveries are properly documented and sometimes displayed for the public to enjoy.
Popular London Mudlarking Spots
If you’re equipped with a permit and ready to dive into the past (and possibly some mud), here are some of the best spots to start your adventure:
1. Bankside
Located near the iconic Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside is a popular mudlarking area that’s rich in history. Once the center of Elizabethan entertainment (think taverns, theaters, and gambling dens), Bankside is known for finds from the Tudor era, like clay pipes, ceramic shards, and animal bones. It’s a top spot for anyone seeking remnants from London’s more raucous past!
2. Millennium Bridge (North and South Banks)
The foreshore around Millennium Bridge is an urban treasure trove. Close to St. Paul’s Cathedral, this spot can yield everything from Victorian pottery to fragments of medieval tiles. With views of the City and easy access, Millennium Bridge is perfect for a quick mudlarking stop with potential finds from multiple eras of London history.
3. Greenwich
The area near Greenwich is fantastic for discovering items from London’s seafaring days. Since Greenwich was once a bustling hub for sailors, mudlarkers often find ship nails, pottery, and the occasional coin. The Greenwich foreshore is also a bit less crowded, giving you a quieter mudlarking experience with historic landmarks like the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College nearby.
4. Rotherhithe
Rotherhithe has a gritty industrial past, so it’s a favorite for mudlarkers looking for artifacts from London’s maritime and trade history. Along with pottery and metal objects, some have found remnants of shipbuilding materials and Victorian household items. Since Rotherhithe was home to dockworkers and shipbuilders, the finds here give insight into London’s blue-collar heritage.
5. Wapping
Wapping was historically known for its docks and its, shall we say, “lively” reputation. This was where pirates met their end, and sailors spent their wages. Today, mudlarkers can find old clay pipes, musket balls, and even the occasional 17th-century token. The Wapping foreshore offers a good balance of historical finds and scenic views along the Thames Path.
6. Bermondsey
Once a site for London’s leather trade, Bermondsey has its own unique feel. Leather scraps, pottery, and artifacts from the Victorian and Georgian periods occasionally surface here. Mudlarkers also love Bermondsey for its proximity to Tower Bridge and the medieval atmosphere of the area, with historic warehouses and wharfs in sight.
7. Vauxhall
Vauxhall is home to many treasures from the Roman period due to its location near the site of a former Roman settlement. Mudlarkers may come across Roman pottery fragments, coins, and medieval artifacts. For anyone interested in early London history, this area can yield some surprising finds from the city’s ancient roots.
A Few Tips for Thames Mudlarking Spots
London’s foreshore is full of fantastic mudlarking opportunities, and each area has its own unique charm and historical layers. Many mudlarkers suggest starting with a spot like Bankside or Millennium Bridge, where foot traffic is common, and there’s a higher chance of surface-level finds. Also, remember to check tide schedules—tides change quickly, and the Thames isn’t shy about reclaiming its treasures!
Whether you’re on the hunt for an ancient bead, a clay pipe, or simply a sense of London’s layered past, the Thames’ mud-soaked banks are brimming with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Enjoy the hunt!