Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London's Lost Treasures

by Jason Sandy, Nick Stevens

Overview

How archaeologists and mudlarks have uncovered the history of London through objects dug up from the mud of the River Thames.

You won't believe what you can find in the Thames – exposed for only a few hours at low tide, its foreshore is a mysterious place, where time has stopped and objects lost centuries ago lie waiting to be discovered and to reveal their long-lost stories. We are not able to travel back in time, but by finding an artefact, untouched since it was lost hundreds or even thousands of years ago, it is possible to develop a deep, tangible connection to our past, to the city and to the personal lives of our ancestors. Revealing secrets buried in the Thames for millennia, this book explores the significance and importance of their discovery. Through the extraordinary artefacts recovered from the river, often by mudlarks, the story of London is told from a unique perspective, unlocking the secrets of the River Thames.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784424329
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	05/18/2021
Series:	Shire Library
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	688,080
Product dimensions:	5.85(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.25(d)

About the Author

Originally from the United States, Jason Sandy is an architect and developer who moved to London in 2007. He discovered mudlarking in 2012 and has contributed to many articles and books on mudlarking, as well as lecturing, appearing on national television, and having an active presence on social media.

Based in London, Nick Stevens is a professional photographer and a member of the exclusive Society of Thames Mudlarks. He appeared in all three seasons of History Channel's Mud Men and co-founded the Thames Museum Trust, which aims to establish a museum around mudlarking finds.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Mudlarking 5

Megalodons, Woolly Rhinos and Flint Tools 11

Rituals and Votive Offerings 19

Vanity and Sex 25

Zoomorphic Art and Viking Attacks 33

Pilgrims, Knights and Betrayal 39

Opulence and Witchcraft 47

War, Fire and Love 55

Death and Decadence 63

Empire and Invention 71

Keep Calm and Carry On 79

Eternal River 85

Liquid History 89

Places to Visit 93

Further Reading 94

Index 96

Editorial Reviews

A bite-sized and accessible social history with a clear reverence for the mudlarks who have helped to paint a more intimate picture of the city's past.” —Apollo Magazine

“Organized chronologically, the book is packed with over 150 color photos of the historical artifacts found by London mudlarks. These objects recovered from the river tell the story of London and its inhabitants over the past 2,000 years, each adding a new perspective to the history of London. It's a beautiful visual history of London, and a fun read.” —Beachcombing Magazine

“Thames Mudlarking gives a great insight into the vast range of everyday items that can be recovered from the Thames foreshore. From Stone Age to Victorian, Londoners have lost or discarded a fascinating array of artefacts. Modern day erosion now threatens their survival. The book relates how ordinary people can get 'hands on' with history in the muddy bed of the Thames.” —Ian Smith, Chair of The Society of Thames Mudlarks

“"Good things come in small packages," as is often said, and with this book, they certainly do! No 'history lovers' bookshelf should be without it. Veritably crammed with facts and quality illustrations which take the reader through an exciting experience of 'time travel' via artefacts discovered in and alongside one of the most famous cities and rivers in the world.” —Julian Evan-Hart, Editor, Treasure Hunting Magazine

“I've stopped searching... this new book is indeed a treasure. Anyone who loves a bit of history, a good story and not afraid to get muddy, this book is for you!” —Jeannine Saba, Editor, The Covent Gardener Magazine

“This is a book that informs, inspires and – most importantly — makes you want to train your eyes to see the treasures that lie below your feet. Reading this book will make you breathless to begin your exploration. It also teaches how to treasure hunt responsibly and reminds that what you find you share.” —Dan Cruickshank

From the Publisher