Mudlarking on the River Thames Reveals Intriguing Treasures Full of History and Mystery (April 2024)
In 1750 a dockyard worker dropped one of his belongings in the Thames mud. He was about to pick it up when someone called him over. By the time he went back to pick it up, the tide was coming in and it was lost in the Thames mud - where it stayed for almost 300 years. And then I found it! My favourite finds are those with names on and during this outing I was not disappointed. Come with me to see who I met on this mudlarking excursion along the River Thames in London.
Also you will meet Fran Sibthorpe on this video who as written a children's book about mudlarking called "Josh and Millee go Mudlarking". We're doing a giveaway so don't miss out. And if you'd like to buy a book, then you can find Fran on instagram @franjoy77. You can also email her at Fran-joy77@hotmail.com
Thank you as always for watching. Comments and feedback welcome. See you soon.
Lots of love, Nicola
Hi Nicola, as an amateur microscope fan, biological stains are used to dye different proteins in microscope specimens. Different proteins absorb the dye more than others, allowing you to see them much more clearly under the scope. Massively important in medical technology so Dr. Gruber would be a very important person.
Congratulations, Fran.🎉❤ How lovely that you've written AND illustrated a book. Wishing you every success with the book.
I try not to miss one of your adventures, I am severely physically disabled and can no longer go my self and enjoy what you finds and save for future generations. I will I could do this again but my wheelchair will not allow me to for it. Be safe and thank you!
Just popping in to say “same”! Love your handle ❤!!
Hi, I just wanted to stand/wheel in solidarity. I live by the ocean in Scotland and our beaches are sooo interesting, but to be able to enjoy them, I will have to wait until I can afford an off road wheelchair. Sadly they start at £20,000, so it may take a few years. Meantime, I love watching the adventures of both Nicola, and Si Finds. I enjoy their colabs too, as it’s obvious they share a love of mudlarking, history and a great sense of humour too! I wish you better health in your future!
I remember when you found the “dog”. That was brilliant. I think he looks quite dashing in his hat! #gomudlarking.
Thanks for the joke, Nicola. I can't wait to share it with my grandson. He's always telling me his, and now I have one to share with him ! #gomudlarking
Hooray! 😂
The dog figure appears to have a very big doggie grin. Rather than menacing, I think he looks like he’s actually become very happy sitting in amongst your finds.
Fran is such a loving soul. Her heart and smile are so endearing. This video was another chance to experience history through your kind efforts. Thank you. #gomudlarking
always enjoy joy your vides! I don't have the physical ability to poke aroundrocky shore....but have a background in California prehistory archeology...lots of fish bones and obsidian chips. I am really, really intrested in the shops (which slod the pips) and if specific shope markedt pecific makers and styles. How did smokers choose between the range of decorations they like. Such options in your collections and how were pipes display and what were the styles available to smokers? Lots of shops on the whays and marketing to ships leving or...what does the choose say bout the smoker's choice Do you know what the "shops" were like?
According to the 1852 commercial directory, Edward Hannam was a tailor at 424 Strand.
Oh my goodness I didn't find that! Thank you. I'll look that up
What I liked about this video is your warm and lovely self, Fran and her cool book, and the article about the stingy man who didn’t want to give his employee any damages for losing his eye at work.
While a few days late in watching and responding, I so enjoyed this video, Nicola! I had no-eye-deer you were a comedienne. And a jolly bad one at that! Haha. Thanks for all the back stories on your finds and congratulations to Fran on her new book! You were obviously the "It Girl" in Chicago. Glad you had a good time on your travels. #gomudlarking
Thank you Steve ❤️ xx
Hello, I was actually addicted to mudlarking videos because of you Nicola. Years ago in the beginning of your adventure with the mudlarking and the camera I was taken by you and river Thames. Thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us and best wishes to you Nicola from Airdrie, Canada. #gomudlarking
Another lovely day amongst the bones and bricks Nicola! The Dr.’s biological stain bottle looks straight out of Alice in Wonderland 😊 Loved meeting Fran and seeing her lovely children’s book. Aren’t we all children at heart when we are Mudlarking?
Today was a rough day for me. My mother passed away in January and today is Mother’s Day in the U.S. and I was trying to find something to occupy my mind and I realized I needed to catch up on your videos and this really lifted my spirits! Fran is such a gentle soul, Iloved watching her talk about her book! #gomudlarking
Hi Kimberley, Im so sorry to hear about your Mum. You must miss her a lot especially today on Mother's day. I hope you can find comfort in the memories of the times you spent with your Mum. Thinking of you and sending you lots of love, Nicola xxx
The style of the illustration in Fran's book is fantastic! I'm sure the story is great as well! And Nicola, it was so cool to meet you in Chicago. Thank you! #GoMudlarking
I love the butterfly pin you were wearing. So beautiful against the black sweater. Always enjoy seeing Fran. Glad you had a nice time visiting America. Much love and good health.
I think Fran's book is adorable ! There is such mirth from this channel and so many interesting finds. Thank you from Montana !
Greetings from Montana! Nice to find other Montanans watching Nicola! Wish we had a river Thames here to find such treasures, but then again it is also nice to have clean unpolluted waters in our state!
Thanks for making me happy again Nicola! Great entertainment like always, just wanted to say Leipzig can also be pronounced Leipzich or for the locals leapsch! I've lived in Germany for thirty years now,you also had the names Gruber Hammam and Kino all very Germanic! Well done Fran for such a good kiddies book hope it gets promoted properly! Finally a real children's book! Over the moon thank you!😊
The coal shovels would make the cutest garden art!
I love the cover of her book. The book is well written and kids will love this.
Were doing well, finally stopped raining here in California, and weve loads of flowers this year.❤Best to you.‼
I think the hat has broadened the grin on your little friend!! He feels complete now!
I thought she might look cute with the hat on.
So glad you popped up on my KZhead suggestions. I find it fascinating how you can find the teeniest tiniest little bit of something in all that mud and debris. Loved the deer joke!
The wooden dog looks so jolly now! As if he'd been waiting for the hat this whole time. Fran's got a new book, how lovely! I have her beautiful picture book of her finds of the Thames, this one looks really adorable. I'm a massive cat guy, I have my own marmalade kitty named Reggie, who is a dear old man of 15. #gomudlarking
The Kozo love to be embellished,it makes them very happy indeed!
There’s no better companion than a marmalade puss!
I enjoyed to see your guardian dog dresses up as well as all the finds and their stories. Congratulations to Fran for writing the book! #gomudlarking
Such good news about your opportunity to visit Chicago. Congratulations to Fran-Joy on the wonderful publication about Mudlarking. Always important to encourage youth to learn about history, wildlife and more. Loved the TempCo video. Love the Peaky Dippers, Kit and Caboodles, Si-Finds, Art in Holland, Tom from Scotland who loves anything Dutch, Victorian Mudlark who supports the miniature trains. So many have shared a wealth of knowledge that makes armchair learning such a joy. Be safe and keep traveling afar--maybe the Congo😊.
I love that the child in the book that Fran wrote, brought her cat along to mudlark with her, not a dog. Cats love mudlarking! #gomudlarking
Those pipe stems look like they could be strung on cords and used to make beaded curtains. They could be painted different colors to make them more interesting. Yes. I remember when you found the wooden dog. He was scary looking then. When you found that little hat, he was the first thing I thought of. He needed that little hat. That's a lovely book. I was trying to explain Mudlarking at the school where I was working as a substitute teaching the other day. We were looking for fossils (in a wash) at the time. I was explaining how educational I find all your videos to be. Thank you.
I love how the Thames mudlarks support one another, and you always do that so well, Nicola. Congratulations to Fran on her children’s book about Josh and Millee, and their adventures on the Foreshore. Looking forward to reading it myself! #gomudlarking
Thank you Nicola, what a precious soul you are. You make a beautiful difference in the lives of people here, now, today as well as for some of those passed who might have otherwise been forgotten ❤
Hi Nicola! Regards from Limni, a small seaside town in Greece! I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time now and I’ve become addicted! I can’t hide from you that I’m green with envy every time you discover one of the magnificent finds that Thames decides to reveal! I like to go beach combing on the beaches near my hometown, I’ve been doing that for more than thirty years. But the usual finds here are shells, sea glass and pieces of floor tiles that have been dumped in the sea over the years. I collect them and make mosaics. I wish I could come mud larking with you! Take care and keep giving us joy with your expeditions!
Thank you ❤
Oh, great, perfect viewing pleasure on a Sunday evening! Your doggy looks rather dashing with the hat! Nice finds today!
I absolutely love when you show your finds, especially love all the buttons, and share with all of us information you find about the person whose name you've found! I wish one day I could travel to the UK and meet you on one of your adventures. And congratulations Fran on your book it looks absolutely wonderful!! #gomudlarking
I Love Fran talking about her book and her book period! What an Awesome Cool Thing! #gomudlarking
What a delightful historical walk with you theu the ages via your finds.You have such a wealth of knowledge and do even more research to keep an honest tone for each treasure.The fullly intact glass bottle (Liepeg, Germany) certainly was a surprise for many of us.Stay safe,laugh often and # go mudlarking
Hi nicola. I have known of your KZhead for ages of course, and watched your videos many times. I found ‘bottle Ned’ a short while ago and i was binge watching all of his excellent videos digging privy’s in San Francisco, and who should pop up in one but you! I couldn’t believe it! Ned is an acquired taste for some but I think he’s great and a really nice guy who is clearly passionate about history. That was a lovely Warners you dug over there! Well done! Brian.
Congratulations Fran.. it looks like a good book to read to my Grandchildren❤ #gomudlarking
I just love the hat & it fits him perfectly. How nice that Fran has written a book, it looks quite nice. #gomudlarking
Love the wooden dog with the fedora. So apt. I hope he makes it back to his homeland, but until then he is safe with you. ❤️ As usual you have inspired the detective in all of us. Good luck with everything, Mary Poppins of Mudlarking. 😊
#gomudlarking. Nicola you are super sweet. When I first saw Fran, she talked about the slave trade beads. My heart just cried thinking about all the bad things humans do that aren't humane.. thank you Fran for sharing ❤️
That tiny yellow bead presented itself to you so you could save it!🙂
Beautiful, he looks very happy with his new hat, the book would be perfect for my ggrans. # go mudlarking, and congrats to Fran on her hard work.x ❣️🇨🇦
You’re such a lovely lady Nicola. Always lifts my spirits. Well done Fran. 📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
The hat is absolutely perfect!
What a wonderful birthday present is to watch a new video such marvelous finds and your soothing voice appreciating every single detail and excitement of finding treasures with names so you can learn about the history behind them.your my favorite larker thank you for great videos ❤❤❤❤❤the hat looks adorable on him little Keene is lucky you found him lol
Your dog statue looks very handsome in his new hat. Congratulations to Fran on publishing your book🥳🥳 #gomudlarking. Take care and see you on the next one 👍🙏❤️
Absolutely love the little hat on dog!! He does look dapper indeed! Congratulations to Fran on her book!!! I’m sure my 5 year old grandson would love it! #gomudlarking Much love from DeeAnn 🇺🇸
Hi Nicola, I love the little hat on your friend. It looks like it was such a nice day to go out mud larking!! I look forward to seeing your future videos of what you did in Chicago another places that you visited. I love the idea of little children learning about mud larking because it teaches them to always look for things wherever they are. They could be at a beach or in the woods or just walking along where there’s rocks and so forth. It makes them aware of history that’s around them. You enjoy the rest of the week and have a great weekend!!🥰🌊🐬
When I saw that hat, I thought it would be perfect for the dog and he does look happy to have it! Thanks for a nice mudlark today. PS. Stains still identify bacteria today. 👍👍
Weaver Hannam piqued my curiosity so off I went to check all my usual sources. Alas, Weaver remains a mystery. Perhaps Weaver was not Mr Hannam's christian name but his occupation. Another great video! Congratulations to Fran in her literary adventure; thanks for thinking of the kids, Fran! All my love and hugs to you from me in New Mexico USA. #gomudlarking
I watched this on TV yesterday. I love your videos. But, I forget to go on the computer & comment. Sorry!! Yes that hat is adorable for your doggie. You find so many treasures but what do you do with the little beads? You must have a bunch by now. Nice to see Fran there with you. Hope her book does well. Looking forward to your visit to Chicago. Lucky people who got to meet you. It would be nice if we knew when your mudlarking takes place. The birds & sounds change with the seasons. I love hearing about the finds & people you dig up. You have a great week & be happy.
Loved your hat for the dog made me smile x#gomudlarking
Thanks for another great video. I love that you can bring people back from the past to present. They will be forever immortal as long as there are people like you to resuscitate them. I love that Fran created a childs book with fun activities, great idea! #gomudlarking
Love you Nicola, my fellow Londoner! X (I'm 5000 miles away nowadays, but once a Londoner, always a Londoner)
Always good to see you meeting Fran who seemed to bring you luck; wonderful little finds group! #gomudlarking
The thing I enjoy about all of your videos, Nicola, is that you always inquire about how we are doing. It lifts my spirits. Congrats, Fran. Lovely book! #gomudlarking
Thank you Nicola. It was great to meet those old ghosts of history. Like travelling back in time. The dog looks dapper too in his new hat. I'm sure my great nephew would love that book. Fingers crossed 🤞xx Teresa 🇦🇺♥ #gomudlarking
I enjoyed seeing the dog with his beautiful hat. I also enjoyed hearing about the people from the past #gomudlarking
It was so fun spending time with you while you were here! Also, you know I love that Leipzig bottle! Thanks for all the kind mentions.
Thx Bryce! Did you see the deer 🦌 joke bit? 😂
@@nicolawhitemudlark Sure did! Proud of you! 😁
@@Brycefoot lol 😆
The moon is full, the stars are in alignment, and Nicola is on the Foreshore! Go to see you back on a sunny day on the Thames. #gomudlarking ☀🕶
Love all your expressions and historical resurching . excitement #go mudlarking
I absolutely love your videos. I would love to mudlark myself! My favorite thing in this video was the name on the pipe. John Stephens….. my father (who passed away 4years ago) was John Stevens. Hearing that name just warmed my heart! Frans book looks fabulous and very inspiring! #gomudlarking
Hannam is quite a common name in London from the 16th century onwards. Edward Hannam was a tailor at 424 The Strand in 1852 TD of Westminster. Richard Hannam a silk weaver turned tapster then became a notorious thief. He died in 1656 and has an entry in the Dictionary of National Biography. Good hunting!
I love Fran, she is awesome. Congratulations on publishing the cute book.
“Oh deer” 😉
Hi Nicola. Glad you enjoyed Chicago. You had some lovely finds.The hat was cute. Well done Fran.
Another fascinating video - thank you so much Nicola! I love the closeness that all you Thames mudlarks share, and the enthusiasm you have for each other’s finds. #gomudlarking
I enjoyed everything about this video. Thank you all so much.❤😊
Fab video as always, we loved seeing the 'gruesome dog' resplendent in his hat! Good luck to Fran for her book!#gomudlarking
Loved the hat Nicola😊. And the soothing sounds of the water. Good luck with your lovely book Fran. Great pictures at the end! Can see you had a great time. Have a good week, love, Nicole. #gomudlarking
Congratulations Fran. I am so proud of you. You are so talented. Thank you for showing that children can learn about history on the foreshore. #gomudlarking
The hat is gorgeous on your dog! Quite jaunty. #gomudlarking ! Wish I could! Thanks for sharing.
Hello, I always enjoy following you where ever you lark. It’s exciting the finds you find.
Im not a scammer. Its ridiculous that people have to do that. Very excited about Frans new book. Loved the doctors bottle and buttons too. Love you Nicola #gomudlarking.
Always great to see Fran on the shoreline. Can't wait to see her book. Also always enjoy the research you do into the people behind the finds, Nicole. Have a great day, all! #gomudlarking
Nice hunt. I love the African dog…the hat is perfect. Nice of you to share about Fran’s book. Thanks.
I finally got out near the River here in northern NH found some neat pottery pieces. Love the stories behind all you find. #GoMudlarking. What a nice book for Fran to write.
Good job Nicola, always love watching your videos. Amazing that a small button can open up so much history and inform us all. Having a good eye, finding the smallest of beads. It's the excitement of finding, discovering. Oh what a beautiful life you lead. Sending much love to you. Fran's book congrats, a real gem. #gomudlarking
Thank you Liz xx
What a dashing hat for your mysterious wooden dog! #gomudlarking
Hi Nicola my little daughter and I love watching your videos together and delighted to see Fran has written a new kids book who’s storyline sounds amazing! #gomudlarking
I love to go mudlarking with you (vicariously)! I love the how the lowly button can reveal so much. A scrounge around with you and Fran is on my bucket list. #gomudlarking
Congrats, Fran on your accomplishment of becoming an author! I always enjoy your videos, Nicola,but I love the tiny beads on the straight pin in today's video! #gomudlarking
Congratulations Fran. Beautiful illustrations in your book. Josh & Miller go Mudlarking. I would love this for my Grandson . Nicola, as usual, we love to watch your videos and enjoy your commentary. #gomudlarking
The hat was a fabulous find for the wood dog from the Congo#gomudlarking
I thoroughly enjoy when you extract what looks like just a shard or piece of glass and, voila! It’s a whole bottle, with writing! #gomudlarking
Good day, I simply want to say thank you for the history you bring, but I especially appreciate that you bring the people to life when you're able. My mind's eye immediately created images of the men related to today's finds. Again, thank you.
Thanks so much Cindy! Xx
Best wishes with the new children's book! Wonderful idea!
Your filming technique and editing just get better and better . Your content is always interesting and edifying , thank you so much for your efforts !
Thank you very much
What beautiful videos you make. The children’s book is charming and quite an accomplishment.
Balmoral was the Queen's favorite place,wasn't it? How cool to find a piece from there!
Our dear Queen always chose to spend her holidays at Balmoral and chose to spend her last days there . Her Majesty loved Scotland and we very much loved her in return .
My 6 and 9 year old love your videos and Fran's book looks fantastic! Congratulations on your book baby Fran. Thank you for another lovely video Nicola - I especially love it when you find a pipe as it is on my bucket list to find (we have only just started mudlarking) #gomudlarking
Fantastic that you found that tiny bead, that must be the find of today for me. Nice to see Fran again, and congrats to her for the book😊 #gomudlarking
Hello there! And, oh my goodness, what a coincidence... i told the deer joke, not even a week ago. I hadn't told (or heard) it in years and then to hear you telling it...wowsers, what a funny pair we are! 😄😂 Lots of love 😀🍃💞🌹🍃💞🍃🌹🍃
Haha I'm glad it's not just me! We shd do a double act :) 😀
Love the book, Fran. What a fabulous idea! Wishing you all the best
My favorite find was the pipe stem, with the story about not one but two pipemakers named John Stephens. And Fran's book looks wonderful! #gomudlarking
Is the hat a fascinator ? # go mudlarking
Many thanks Nicola ! Most enjoyable , as always !
We enjoyed your trip to Chicago so much, Nicola! #NoEyedDeer
Hi Nicola, I absolutely love your videos and watch them every time you upload, i’ve started going out locally looking for old objects due to inspiration from your videos. I’ve found a pipe stem, pottery and some old bottles so far, i get so excited when i find something! I think Frans book is an excellent idea and I would love to get one to read and enjoy the activities with my nephew, it would be such a lovely encouragement to get him into the hobby as he already has a keen interest in finding things even little rock’s in the garden (bless him). Another great video Nicola! I loved the little bead you found, so small and dainty you have such a good eye! I hope you find a glass eye soon that would be a good video to watch! Thanks again Nicola, have a lovely day♥️ #gomudlarking
Thank you ❤
I always learn something from you videos and enjoy them so much. Thank you.
I always enjoy it when Fran joins your show and cudos to her for writing a book! Fantastic news! #gomudlarking