CRAZY! 1,000s of London's old Lamp posts found dumped! Plus old bottles found Mudlarking!

Si and Matt explore a new spot and make the strangest discovery - 1000s of old London's lamp posts you really have to see it to believe it! Plus lots of fun in the mud with lovely old bottles, pipes and street lights! More Mudlarking • What's in this 500-YEA...
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Music by Si-finds and Rephrase 594 / user-484438352
/ @rephrase594
#mudlover #luckinthemuck #sifinds
To Mudlark the Thames foreshore legally you need a permit from the PLA, please see their website for more details
pla.co.uk/Envir...
Other websites to check out
www.mudlarking.com
www.thamesbuttons.com
www.hovercrafthistoryhunters.com

[@oitsamy]

My first thought upon seeing all those lamp posts was to drag them home and make fabulous constructions with them, then I realized they were probably performing excellent habitat and erosion control duty, then I remembered that my car isn't big enough and also I live in California and couldn't get them home. But oh, for a few seconds there. . .

[@Glorindellen]

ditto! I'm in Utah and would love one of those to replace the very boring wooden one on the corner of my property!

[@Cate7451]

I know right!

[@safarikitty9632]

I'm in Southern California, too... The posts wouldn't fit in my Condo..

[@oitsamy]

@@safarikitty9632 I'm in Northern Cal and have a yard large enough for quite a few, but have been advised that Subaru's don't float :)

[@paulfoster2984]

I could send you a couple through the mail?

[@terrybergin4921]

When all the 1000s of old and very decorative lamp posts throughtout the London Borough of Croydon were replaced with modern lighting about 15 years ago, I asked to buy one, but was told they had to be broken up and scrapped. I told them that they were crazy because all those lamps were worth a fortune as architectural salvage.

[@andiversum]

15 years ago? I thought the lamps were already removed in the 1970s?

[@terrybergin4921]

@@andiversum You're right. I've checked, and my guess about the timing was wrong. According to Skanska, who carried out the work together with John Laing, in the boroughs of Croydon and Lewisham worked started in 2011 and ended in 2015. They replaced 38,000 street lights, and 8,000 street signs and bollards. They also refurbished a further 4,000 lights.

[@cdd4248]

How does it go...some people can't see the forest for the trees. RIDICULOUS that they wouldn't let you HAVE one! Good Lord.

[@metalmicky]

Scrap value at £200 a tonne …….

[@lynnedelacy2841]

Criminal waste

[@debraolivier2147]

I always here "hello my lovers" instead of "hello mudlovers". It's the accent! 😄😄

[@debraolivier2147]

Sorry, should be "hear" ....

[@bettedonavon2168]

Me too‼️🌝Made me snicker each time he said it...thought perhaps was a common phrase⁉️😅😂🤣🙃😂😉Gotta love ‘em, eh❣️

[@debraolivier2147]

@@bettedonavon2168 😄😄😄😄 maybe he was talking to only you and I Bette 😃😃

[@lizzieholland]

@@bettedonavon2168 It is a common phrase in the south west of England actually!

[@jeanneamato8278]

I do too. I like it.

[@shamteal8614]

When I was a child in the 50's & 60's we had lampposts like that on our housing estate. They were replaced in the 70's with nondescript posts with no decoration just functional with a light on the top. I've always remembered them being removed along with the cutting down of all the willow trees and most of the cherry trees which were a beautiful sight every year when in blossom. Progress!

[@dickvansteijn4115]

Regress you mean?

[@georgeedwardscott8161]

someone needs to rescue those posts and restore them and get them back into use. its shocking how much of our history is being left to rot.

[@gracepeterson7483]

I know I'm almost 2 years late to the party but I have to comment. The restoration of that lamp is amazing. I wish there were places like this here in the states.

[@taffythegreat1986]

I wonder why it’s ok for the council to dump their lamp posts on the shoreline. But if someone else did it, they be fined

[@jungsomewhat]

Guess as there made of concrete they are useful for controlling erosion.

[@jyrkijarvinen1603]

I can imagine at some company has get paid for dispose those lamp posts: "Oh, yes we did take those a part, recycling the cords and taking metal from them and grinned that concrete to use as material to build roads etc." Instead, just taking the money and dumb posts on the sea...

[@robertmitchell2299]

Fvhu7 cuz Dr

[@ButterBallTheOpossum]

Hey fun fact that boat was my dads. He swamped it in a storm while drunk. His life jackets were too small because he had bought them years prior before he gained weight. Poor guy. RIP papa i told you to stop eating fast food😢

[@taffythegreat1986]

@@jungsomewhat true on what use say, it’s still an eye sore. There was this pub come restaurant where I live. The land backs straight onto the rocky beach. The sea was eroding the topsoil of the land. So the landlord dump a load of concrete blocks to stop the erosion. He was fined and told to remove them, he never did.

[@MrTumshie]

Pretty sure the whole sign would read 'Dogs on leads must not be permitted to foul the public footpath.' I remember similar signs from when I was a wee laddie.

[@Sifinds]

Thanks!

[@dextrodemon]

footway, there's a w after foot

[@deadprivacy]

dogs must be on leads and must not be permitted to foul the public footway. otherwise the dogs not on leads would be permitted to shit everywhere

[@desperatelyseekingrealnews]

Yeah I recall seeing them too

[@Julianne955]

What an incredible sight you showed us today! Wonderful finds and upcycles, love your finds Matt!

[@pattiefitzpatrick2075]

Love the repurposed (broken) bottles. Just beautiful and SO smart!

[@northernerinnc3179]

Seeing the lamp posts reminded me of Shelley's poem of Ozymandias: "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair! Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

[@Sifinds]

Northerner in NC cool

[@markhepworth4804]

Northerner in NC Nice mate,very appropriate!

[@marygarner5249]

You guys are Awesome thank you for taking us with you on your Adventures Mud Lovers Rull😉

[@IratePuffin]

I’d so love to have that sign that was on the pole!

[@theforestdweller625]

Old lamp posts are wort so much money in Sweden.. I once knew a coupple that bought some for at small path in their forrest propperty. They where so ekspensive.. but they looked good (at night) on the path in the big pineforrest where the ended up.

[@Sifinds]

Good post 😉

[@c.s.7266]

The green moss layer growing on the lamps is beautiful in its own way.. The earth creates and the earth takes it back.

[@PurityVendetta]

Fab video guys, thanks. I went on a geology society field trip with my dad when I was a little kid and ended up thigh deep in mud. I cried my eyes out and lost a wellie. Ever since I leave it to others and just watch lol

[@nanajod5878]

Keep up the great work Simon. Your knowledge and fun nature are enjoyable to watch.

[@spencerfiveash2421]

Lamp is a Amazing find, and bulb cover. Too, Lucky Find. 😎😇😃 You, must be well chuffed. 😇

[@michaelmcgarvey1985]

That lamp cleaned up better than I thought it would and to find the lense was pure luck. Another great job

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Michael - it sure was!

[@advenzures]

Very cool video. Happy Hunting.

[@Sifinds]

Thanks!

[@Sifinds]

Cool channel you have bro!

[@advenzures]

👊🏻😊👍🏻

[@davechandler6884]

The lamposts were most likely moved during the slum clearances of the 1950`s and early 60`s, there will be some tower block stood where they once lit the night .

[@seanwatcham8308]

Council dumping all their old lamp-posts and toliets..? Our council dumped a memorial fountain in the backwaters... It was recovered in recent years and put back up in the town..!

[@Sifinds]

Very cool mate!

[@Cate7451]

That's awful that it got thrown away! But awesome that it got put back up!

[@Blessings.429]

Thank you it’s nice to know it was re-used again. I love Archeology I often wonder about all the old bronze and wrought iron bits and pieces that were “ to old, out of date”. Thanks from🇦🇺

[@LindaPatton1980]

@@Blessings.429 I'm the same. Think about all the history being torn down breaks my heart - I've only been in Adelaide, Sth Australia for 18mnths and seeing old Tudor building being pulled down for Aldi stores is infuriating. I hope to find a Victorian dump to explore - Si-Finds and friends really inspire me. Where in Australia are you from Native?

[@willow091]

governments everywhere waste

[@nospartsman8901]

One of those lamp posts would look good in your garden or on someones farm/estate, heavy to retrieve but you'll find a way.

[@WildWestGal]

Love what you did with that lamp, Si, well done! And a great bunch of bottles, both of you!

[@moomoosnmummy]

That light cleaned up lovely- was worrying that it would crumble to bits- nice job!

[@ProxyMaestro]

You don't know how truly lucky you are gentleman... Cheers from unexplored America .

[@deydododontdedoh.5672]

By the look of the land erosion behind the lamp posts, maybe they were placed there as a kind of sea break to stop waves crashing into the soil and eroding it further? I have heard of large items, containers or boats other item being stripped/cleaned and then scuttled to help create artificial reefs. Ha, I made my comment while still watching , then you mention about erosion prevention 😁

[@janicecooper875]

Simon, those things are so lovely. They can be restored and repurposed, even street lights repurposed again - so romantic! Janice - melb. Australia

[@silverfoxdude7]

looks like they have been used as some kind of flood barrier

[@dawnnaylor7064]

Wow that crazy that they dumbed them all in the water. Have a lovely day Si. 😝

[@khamen723]

In Florida, we dump our old concrete bridges offshore to make artificial reefs. They’re great dive sites after just a couple of years.

[@islanddragon1]

Amazing lamp you found. Those lamp posts where beautiful.

[@gerrygarcia653]

Family members wondering why I was yelling "take the lamp, take the lamp" at my computer. Glad you did and that great lens made it all worthwhile. Great video and greetings from Texas.

[@Sifinds]

Gerry Garcia Haha I can imagine. Lol

[@janicecooper875]

Matt loves his bottles .... l love him.

[@moomoosnmummy]

I do love a good shluck noise, you could do asmr videos of you squooshing through the mud 😁

[@phyllisbowler182]

I live in Florida now , but i grew up in Lambeth,used to go down Lambeth walk every Saturday .Had an uncle that work at a greengrocer down there .I still discribe myself as a Lambeth Girl ,so i loved this video .Thankyou Si finds

[@missmerrily4830]

Hi Si, I lived in the Caribbean (Barbados) for about 16 years, and there were several boats scuttled there, especially to make artificial reefs, and after only a few years they make a wonderful habitat for undersea life. (You can see one if you take the trip on the Atlantis submersible from Bridgetown). There was also a project started to sink small concrete structures, especially made, for the same purpose. So not a mad thought at all, but something that's probably been done, or going to be done in lots of locations in future. You guys surely visit some desolate and spooky places, and I bet Lambeth council never thought their secret dumping place would ever be discovered. Anyway, I often have my heart in my mouth as to what you'll uncover next. I'd rather just watch you from the safety of my living room, I think!

[@Sifinds]

Miss Merrily thanks for the comment! Yes we get muddy so you don’t have to!

[@kathyblain5544]

❤❤❤

[@debcattell7059]

What a lot of lamp posts/lights and toilet pottery. Loved the upcycled light too ❤☺

[@barbaramackey6743]

From the states, I would love to have one, fantastic find!

[@Sifinds]

I'll pop one in the post... 😉

[@Glorindellen]

@@Sifinds send me one, too, while you're at it!

[@fionaredknap]

Hi, I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your videos, I am originally from Kent, but now live in Sydney, Australia. I love all the history of the UK. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make these video, I really appreciate it 😊. Thank you. Fiona

[@Sifinds]

fionaredknap my pleasure. Thanks for the kind words! Feel free to hit that share button for me 👍🏻😉😁

[@MudlarkingWithKitCaboodlers]

There was something eerie about those piles of lamp posts especially with the mist as well. A bit apocalyptic in my eyes (I watch too many end of the world films) :)

[@mirkatu3249]

EXACTLY what I thought!

[@Lisa.Sparkman]

Made me think of the planet of the apes

[@lynchygt3]

2 weeks later and you might be right!

[@cheshirelasslani3939]

Aloha Si & Matt..lovely to see you guys again...mucking about.

[@mirkatu3249]

Loved this video, such uncommon things to see and think about. The imagery of the jumbled pile of lamp posts reminded me of the original movie Planet Of The Apes when Charlton Heston sees Lady Liberty sticking up out of the sand.

[@lisawilson4551]

That light came out amazing 😃👍❤️❤️

[@lindaodellvt]

This video headed straight down the toilet! Must be the world's biggest crapper graveyard. I was entranced by the hundreds of lampposts and happy you were able to salvage a lamp,(to be honest I was hoping you'd find an intact lamp with the beautiful curved arm, maybe next time!) That was some lovely, boot sucking mud. If it's Sunday, it's Si time!

[@Sifinds]

Thanks Linda! The arms were too far gone, I saved what I could, 😃

[@rustywreck6631]

It’s good how you ad information on the videos about your finds, 👍

[@christian66ca]

Havent watched yet but will on my big screen. Just where the hell have you been. Had us all worried sick. I thought maybe Nicola had drowned you. A little notice in the future would be helpful pleas Si!

[@statewench2828]

Fantastic that you all found the plastic shade too!

[@Sifinds]

Aluminium and glass 👍🏻

[@amel2784]

hmmm.....a drone would help you look out over those mud flats

[@slydoll7877]

Yes! I bet it would reveal some good stuff!

[@steviefox6646]

Thanks for recycling the lamp! You can name it, Uncle Larry! Hugs and thanks, Stevie

[@johndaut7128]

Here in the states we clean and sink old Naval ships to form Reefs

[@Sifinds]

Excellent news!

[@bigmamma6946]

Loved all of Mats finds.👋👍

[@paulsaunders3700]

Ain’t it called fly tipping ? .... bit naughty Lamberth council

[@sirpainter1]

Now that I've watched the whole vid. WAY COOL STUFF. & The light, Wowsers!. I've dug for my bottles in my backyard. 2 foot (0.6096 meter) down is the garbage. 1870 log cabin. Cheers from Wyoming.

[@Sifinds]

sirpainter1 cool. Hope you had some luck in the muck

[@CreatingwithWinglessAngel]

The flint looks like a scraper. Also, the pointed end looks like a punch end very pointy and sharp. You watch a lot of Time Team you can see it better.

[@vivsalittlebitcrafty4854]

Oh wow, I love the old lamp posts, what a find. Would love a couple of those for 'me ole garden'...fabulous!!

[@stephenbachman132]

12:59 Metroplotian streets of lambert "Dogs must not Sh!+, on the footpath" As law of something.

[@bonnerdebbie]

Your lamp is wonderful, thanks for taking us along.

[@Sifinds]

Debbie Bonner my pleasure!

[@arlenegariepy8957]

If they are wartime they could have been dumped to prevent boats from coming up on land or to prevent erosion? :)

[@joanlittle4235]

this so much fun just sitting here and you are so great to be with you 88yrs

[@Sifinds]

[e-mail] You’re 88?

[@victoriawest]

Those lamp posts are beautiful, surely they can be reused. They would look lovey in the garden

[@lyarnes]

I’ve seen where they routinely take the old bones of deteriorating war, military, or commercial ships, strip them down, and bury them at sea so they can provide a foundation for new coral beds.

[@Sifinds]

Brilliant news!

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

@@Sifinds www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352340918315622

[@davidbrown4849]

Yes, they are superb dive sites as they attract fish and provide habitat for them, in Oz cities vie to have large old navy ships sunk near them to be a tourist attraction.

[@beverlymartin1414]

How lucky you two were to find the lampshade! What a good team....

[@Sifinds]

Beverly Martin cheers Bev

[@indysmith4437]

Adaptive reuse of unwanted infrastructure, used likely to stave off erosion of the river banks.

[@GLK-London]

I remember as a kid climbing lamp posts like that and hanging by my legs upside down on the crossbars. Great find.

[@aropals672]

More than likely they were placed there to prevent erosion. Imagine if they are submerged for some time they will become a artificial reef. They should have taken all the electrical out but being concrete that is great use of them.

[@guadalupeknippen2636]

What fabulous work you did on that street lamp. Everything is beautiful!

[@Sifinds]

Guadalupe Knippen Thanks!

[@Bert_Sherbet]

Budget on the seawall defense by local council probably why so many there in one place...

[@brandyglass63]

I’d love to photograph those lamp posts......they’re amazing!

[@liamandrews1415]

Im regards to the sinking ships for reefs idea it's already being done and it quite common acctially! They sink alot of all military and commercial ships for it.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

Absence makes the heart grow fonder - welcome back, Simon!

[@Sifinds]

Thanks Marcel! Good to be back

[@danny1983ish]

@@Sifinds would love to go to these places as love history

[@dirtyboxer4651]

They have been doing that for decades m8, artificial reefs are already all over the world

[@ceciliareyes9103]

I liked your thought for the day in this video.❤

[@heidigrunberg421]

Oh be still my heart! I'm so addicted to you!!!

[@Wvnursey]

Interesting adventure today and a few good finds! Thanks for taking us along Simon!

[@Sifinds]

Cindy Wade cheers Cindy!

[@rachelthompson9324]

3:12 neolithic home site

[@danielcline7413]

You know those lampposts would make an awsome fence!

[@griffinartandairbrushing3174]

Guy from the town getting rid of lamp posts: "Hey...these have to move on out of here, can you haul these to the dump for me?" Guy with Dump Truck, "Sure, but it will cost ya 3,000 pounds. Guy getting rid of lamp posts, "Great! Off with em then! " Guy with truck, " Dumps em on the Thames Shoreline" Just my guess. ha ha..

[@gdfggggg]

Kris Roberts that’s not true. I did work for a large skip company and everything in the skip will be sorted and recycled where possible.

[@gdfggggg]

Kris Roberts Churngold waste, that was sold and is now called Viridor. They sorted through everything; the wood was chipped up and sold to particle board company’s, the metal was all separated. They had a guy on a big grabber machine chucking the wood Into a big chipper and sorting the skips in general, then they had guys picking stuff out off a conveyor/sorting machine. Only the rubble and general crap went to landfill.

[@christinehodge3608]

What a Find, lovely lampost ,

[@Sifinds]

Christine Hodge Thanks C

[@MrJtappin]

Lost me at electric cable... These are gas lights. The arms sticking out at the top is for a lighterman to rest his ladder against to light them. Some may have had electric upgrades at some point.

[@julielumsden5184]

I’m catching up on your past finds, loved this one now do back and get the bar that holds the light . I wanted to claim all of the old lamp posts but I’m in Canada so that’s out of the question

[@GuessMyName234]

Sexy Si is back 😂

[@steveosshenanigans]

Your not bad looking yourself 😉

[@Montana_horseman]

Nice adventure, interesting place and some good finds. Nice 43 minute video that gave me the perfect excuse to put off shoveling snow this morning. Always nice to go out mucking around with you and I wish you amazing luck on your next outing. All the best to you.

[@Sifinds]

Thanks, I don't envy your weather! But i do love a bit of snow

[@mrman991]

"they should sink old ships to give reefs a chance to form" They do, all the time. Not only that by in America they sink old train cars and all sorts for reefs

[@melin1969]

i believe america and other places have even used old tanks and other ex army equipment for that as well

[@mrman991]

@@melin1969 I thought those were more along the lines of "where can we put these to forget about them", like that trench between england and Ireland.

[@Dockhead]

@@mrman991 yeah like all the toxic waste and sludge and shit they dump into rivers without know one looking at it, gotta be good they say!

[@GGsInterests]

Those posts could make lovely garden ornaments. Your idea about reefs would be a great use of these things.

[@Sifinds]

Thanks

[@jackiebeans2689]

Great finds! The light turned out really well! Love hearing you guys squelching around!😁💕

[@Sifinds]

Jackie beans haha, thanks!

[@tanithmessenger3581]

Found your channel via Nicola's, so I've been catching up on all your old vids - hence the late comment! - here in Cyprus they have sunk ships and placed statues as well to create underwater scenes for diving, in turn creating a place for fish and other sea creatures to live. I agree more places should do this.

[@malinda8668]

Wow, the old lamp came out good! Quite nice upcycled bottles. I like how you gave a base to the torpedo bottle. Really nice.

[@padraicodomhnall2146]

Great video Simon and Matt. I bet art/photography students would have a really inspirational time among those old lamp posts. The lamp you restored would make a great addition to a 'man shed'. Thank you both for sharing.

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Paddy - yes the man cave will be built one day!

[@Toon-Tony]

Really enjoyed this one si and I know it's a older one but them lampposts was class I'd love one or 2 for my garden haha.. Great video and alot of nice finds out that mud💪🏻💪🏻

[@ruthmelander7155]

My heart is racing. Those lamp posts would make awesome porch posts, or other cool garden features.

[@Sifinds]

They are pretty cool!

[@sidkelly7507]

Jackpot finds there with the lampposts boys, thanks for the great hunt 👍🇮🇪

[@Sifinds]

Cheers Sid!

[@temperhollow7716]

How amazing that you found the complete lamp fixture! It looks wonderful cleaned up as do the bottles. Very interesting adventure and may you have many many more.

[@Sifinds]

Temper Hollow Thanks sweetie

[@chadjones4236]

Bottles make awesome candle holders damn I have to get over there😁

[@clairekurdelak2913]

Yes, that idea of sinking stuff in the sea to promote coral reef growth is a thing! Good thought.

[@Artist6135]

Wow! Great find in that lamp!!!

[@electric_leo1630]

You have made me very excited I really want to know where the old lampposts are I am a light enfusiast and that looks like a jackpot and don’t say oh I don’t want to many people to go there because I told you no I can only go there with family and friends I will not tell outers the location

[@ashleighjaimaosborne3966]

What an amazing location! Thanks for sharing your adventures. 😊🇨🇦

[@bubblywaters3116]

I'd love to play with you in your workshop! Looks like so much fun! Even the mud looks fun!

[@karenrogers2826]

What a great play yard for exploring treasure seekers!