Secrets of the Thames
By Jason Sandy
16th-century Bellarmine jug (London Museum)
Alessio Checconi mudlarking along the Thames (London Museum).
Over the past 10,000 years of human activity along the River Thames, millions of objects have been dropped or discarded in its waters and lie submerged in the thick mud, waiting to be discovered. Searching the exposed riverbed at low tide, mudlarks have found an incredibly wide range of artifacts, dating from prehistoric to modern times.
Above left: 16th-century whistle for communicating orders on board naval ships (London Museum). Above right: 15th-century gold ring with heart-shaped pink gemstone. Engraved band inscription: “For Love I am Given” (London Museum).
These objects give us new insights into the lives of Londoners throughout the centuries. Whether a fragment of an everyday item or a rare and valuable treasure, each object magically opens a window to the past. Like a time capsule, they teach us about the customs, material culture, styles, and fashions of the times, as well as social history and behavioral patterns of past Londoners.
Finger rings, beads, and bottles (Jason Sandy).
Thanks to mudlarks, tens of thousands of historically important artifacts have been acquired by London Museum, which now has one of the largest collections in the world of medieval pilgrim and secular badges and post-medieval pewter toys. For the first time ever, the museum will be displaying a wide variety of mudlarking finds in a major, new exhibition entitled “Secrets of the Thames.”
Left to right: Display of keys, spoons and other mudlarking finds (Jason Sandy). Mudlarking artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries (Jason Sandy). Jason Sandy holding a World War II helmet found in the Thames (London Museum).
Opening in April 2025, the exhibition will showcase never-seen-before artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection. In addition, numerous mudlarks have loaned the museum hundreds of objects from their personal collections to be showcased in the exhibition. The story of London will be told through these rare objects recovered from the river, revealing its secrets. “Above all, the exhibition will be an exploration of love and desire, faith and loss, migration, community, and culture,” explains Kate Sumnall, lead curator of the exhibition and former Finds Liaison Officer responsible for recording mudlarks’ discoveries.
Fossilized sea urchins and vertebrae (Jason Sandy).
Surrounded by cases of mudlarked artifacts, an experiential foreshore will be recreated within the museum. It will be a unique opportunity to engage with the archaeology of the river without getting your feet wet.
Left: Prehistoric flint tools found in the Thames (Jason Sandy). Right: Roman artifacts (Jason Sandy).
As part of the exhibition, the important role of mudlarks in discovering thousands of years of human history will be revealed. In their own words, mudlarks will explain their passion for searching, finding, and preserving London’s history for future generations. The mudlarking exhibition will be accompanied by lectures, guided foreshore walks, and special events including a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process of recording and researching the historic artifacts.
Monika Buttling-Smith mudlarking in Central London (London Museum).
From April 4th, 2025, to March 1st, 2026, the exhibition will take place in London Museum Docklands, located in an early 19th century sugar warehouse in the West India Docks of Canary Wharf.
For more information, go to www.londonmuseum.org.uk.
Join Jason for a half-hour video beachcombing trip to some of his favorite spots on the River Thames, where he finds treasures buried for centuries in the London mud. He also shares some of his favorite pieces in his extensive collection of finds from prehistory through modern times.
Learn more about mudlarking
Learn more about the experiences of mudlarks, who search the shores of rivers, bays, and seas for historical finds and other objects. Articles ›
Mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore requires a permit. Learn about rules for mudlarking in London ›
This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 47 March/April 2024.
