I found the Strangest Object Mudlarking on the River Thames!Do you know what it is? (September 2023)

A few weeks ago I made a very strange discovery on the Thames foreshore. And guess what....every one of you will have seen a strange object like this - but I bet you don't know what it is when you first see it emerge from the Thames mud. How on earth did it end up in the Thames?
As well as this strange find, some other beautiful fragments of London history come to light.
Please dont forget that if you want to try mudlarking you need a permit from the Port of London Authority. Currently no new permits are being issues. You can watch out for updates here:-
www.pla.co.uk/Environment/Tha...

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Just over three years ago I was fortunate to have your channel appear on my KZbin feed. I believe I have missed none; you have shown me not only wonderful mudlarking finds, but happenings of which I would never be aware. If I may be so bold as to ask of you some coverage of the Totally Thames Festival, there is just no way I can be there. Thank you once again for using your talents in so many ways!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Hello! Unfortunately I wont be around for the next 2 totally thames exhibitions, but maybe the last one I can film.

[@terriatwell4041]

When you picked up the second piece of wood I thought it looked like a raven's head. Just then the crow cawed and you asked if Mr. Crow agreed with you keeping it. LOL. I can see you creating something beautiful with it. Thanks for taking us along on the lark.

[@julieisthatart]

Always enjoy the Sunday mornings on the Thames, thank you.

[@PiraticalBob]

The knife blades with the squared-off tips are probably sailors' knives - - it was customary to have the tips broken off, either in a vise or on the edge of an anvil, at the time that the sailor first came onboard. The broken tip served two purposes - - if dropped from aloft the knife would be less likely to injure someone, and the broken-off tip also made stabbings during fights less likely.

[@davidmarshall7752]

Yep--- also the broad & broken design was the classic *rope cutter,* and the broke-off end could also serve as a *pry or driver.* Good show ! ~

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you so much for our shoutout on your amazing page and the warm wishes regarding our engagement! It means so much to both of us! We absolutely love watching your videos and are so blessed to have love flooding in from around the world! Will keep you posted on wedding details as they unfold! 💙❤️ -Jordan&Josh

[@dr_steve]

@jordandouglas5953 Congratulations to you guys on your engagement. How wonderful of Nicola to share your happy news with all of us. Best of luck to you both!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

🎉❤ 🎉

[@sarabaldeschwieler7763]

Congratulations Jordan and Josh!

[@benbream2235]

All the best guys !

[@dr_steve]

I'm a day behind in watching and responding, no thanks to a hurricane which passed over us here in Florida USA. A lovely video, Nicola, with some great pieces of history. I especially appreciate your affirmation at the end of this video and your recognition of Josh and Jordan's engagement. You are incredibly kind and thoughtful, which is why I so enjoy your videos each week.

[@ginkgosunmontana7628]

Me ,too, I would love to wear something with your logo on it, or even drink from a Tideline mug! I so look forward to your videos, and am touched by how kind you are to your fellow human beings. You are a wonderful woman!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

That's very kind thank you :) xox

[@maryjanew20]

Hello from America Nicola! A short time ago I was busy in my kitchen with the tv tuned into the NBC network in New York. My ears perked up when I heard one of the commentators mention “mud larking”. Next thing I know there you were on my tv screen. It was such a nice surprise to see a familiar face! I hope you enjoyed your time here and had fun being on tv. 😊

[@rksnj6797]

That's a simple yet brilliant method of displaying pipes! Congratulations Jordan and Josh!!!

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@Mary.P77]

I loved that you’re asking other Thames pipe people to send pictures of how they stand up their pipes! As for what I celebrated lately, my hubby and I took a car trip in June ‘23, half way across the US to meet the newest member of our family! His name is Edmund, he’ll be two years old this coming January! He is our very first Great Grandson. Need I tell you how precious he is, and clever, and much like a tiny grownup? Best news yet, he’s going to become a Big Brother in the coming year! If I could, I’d be doing a very happy Happy Dance!🎉🎉🎉

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Congratulations!! xx

[@janetcurr-ks1gd]

The knot of wood looks like a birds head with an eye and beak❤

[@lovelyskull3483]

The Thames, the birds and Nicola. Nothing is better then the pleasure of watching this.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤

[@PenguinMaster2371]

Good to see the dog likes his hat. I remember how he first looked. Bringing him home was the best thing you could do for it. What looked aggressive when you found it looks lovely and happy.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Thanks again for sharing your adventures on the foreshore. Much appreciated. 🙂🐿🌈❤️

[@Leanne-juk05]

Loved seeing your live stream with Si. This was also another fantastic video. My new thing to do is metal detecting and beachcombing being inspired by you, Si and other metal detectorist you tubers! I love it! Still a beginner and learning but i'm hooked. Thank you Nicola and Si❤

[@angelamillard6418]

Love your enthusiasm and empathy for the personal stories of your finds ❤ You are a special person ❤

[@artieash6671]

Ahh... a classic! Just you, the river, wildlife and finds. It was videos like this that were so sustaining during the isolation of the pandemic when a look outside one's own situation was so exciting. I will always be grateful to you for those. Did you know that one of the delights of the close-ups when you find something... is looking all around the find you are spot-lighting to see if you have missed something else? That gives one the sense of participating on the lark. But it is very rare when you miss. Anyhow, thank you. Swimming... hmmm... I'm only a mile from Walden Pond... hmmm...

[@marionbowler5440]

Marvelous Nicola, loved it, nice with Si to , ❤👍😎🇨🇦xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Marion! xx

[@meems9884]

I have been watching you and Si a long time. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy watching and learning from you. Keep mud larking so we can go with you!!!! 💜

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you x

[@Zandain]

I adore Sundays...a double showing of Nic & Simon!! What a wonderful day on the foreshore, thanks for bringing us along, Nic 💜 hello from Denmark 🌸

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you for watcing! xo

[@dalemills7926]

Oh have to add , I love the cricket pipes ,

[@4sstg]

Jordan and Josh. 🌟💖🌟wishing you much happiness.

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@DeboraFehse-nd5sp]

Thank you so much for what you do for us! As much as I love the hunt and finds along the river I really love the shots of the birds that you come across. Being a shut in I appreciate seeing the birds.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

So glad you enjoy Deborah xx

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

I so enjoyed this video. As always you do brilliant editing work. The swans movements & fitting music was really lovely too. Thank you for your always kind thoughts & advice. All the best to you & yours!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤

[@lisastewart1986]

Nicola ,I was just watching you and Si finds live and it would be great to have some merchandise 🎉from your studio ❤another great video thanks.

[@donaldsmith9332]

Hi I am from Oregon. I am sitting watching your show with my mudlarking friend Laura Lattig! Love your show Peace! Janlee Smith

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Janlee and big hello to Laura! Love to you both ❤️ xx

[@user-cw9qn1nb2n]

The spines on the "cricket pipe-bowl" would seem to mimic the seams on a cricket ball. What an excellent design. Thank you for getting wet and muddy on our behalf.

[@professor-greek3367]

Just imagine how many clay pipes that are still waiting to be found .. its absolutely mesmerising .. thank you Nicola for another wonderful video with full of history 🥰

[@misty5979]

Hi Nicola! I get excited when you find pipes, lol, love it. Great finds!

[@goodpeople5676]

Awesome findings.....the cricket 🏏 pipe is wonderful. Lovely token information 👌. Congratulations to Mr. J ❤ Mr J .Enjoy . especially on Hill station roads , the cats eyes 👀 are seen . We don't find such ckay pipes here in India. But I love to watch n gather knowledge. 😊 Enjoy With love from SAM Guwahati, Assam, India 🇮🇳 ♥️

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@terryvied2315]

Great Video! I love how you got those Swans, 😍picture perfect!!!

[@thekenneth3486]

I love the little hat on the African wooden dog. That dog is still rather creepy in my opinion, and wearing tiny headgear makes him a bit less intimidating. 😀

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

I found it in the river. I'll feature it in a video soon!

[@josephinemonahan915]

Congratulations to Jordan and Josh...at the end of the day, in the words of The Beatles “All You Need Is Love”🌹❤

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@user-gb4wd5nb6x]

Two videos in one day! I’m thrilled! Could watch you EVERY day! Thank you

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you!

[@tomfisher2103]

Looks like a wonderful day on the foreshore Nicola! The detailing on the clay pipe with the cricket bat and wickets was amazing 😊

[@piligarcia4771]

Loved the video, wish I could find a clay pipe here in La Coruña, I know they found some near the Hercules Light house, but all the beaches around here are cleaned practically every day, and I find it difficult to find much but I still keep trying, any small find makes my day😊, so grateful for having found all of you mudlarkers, you appeared on my screen just when I needed it most. 😘

[@cyndicunanan400]

Congrats Jordan and Josh! Great video, I always learn so much.

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@FindsByPirjo]

I love swans, they are the most beautiful birds ever. I like seagulls too, what happened to the gull you found with Simon today? Well my pipe finds are not many, like one with the stem. I will send you a pic, which Email should I send it? I'm counting days to be in London again!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Hi Pirjo, Simon took Guy the gull to the wildlife centre so we'll know more soon hopefully. Pls send to [e-mail] Hugs, nicola xx

[@diane1390]

Your pipe collection is very impressive. I'd love to see them. I'd also love to see all the other numerous things in your collection. It's not unlike going through a personal museum.

[@joellenmeek658]

Good on you for starting to swim. My husband, dog, and I like to hike trails around our area, Pennsylvania, and discover wildlife and old homesteads. Of coarse our history is very young compared to the Themes.

[@serendipitouslydivine824]

Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state! So many mountains....

[@francinebegin6069]

Thank you for an other incredible video. You are an inspiration. Merci Nicola, with love from Québec ❤

[@Nicole-pg5lk]

Thank you for another adventure on the foreshore of the river Thames. Congratulations and lots of happiness to Josh and Jordan ❤. So great that you go outdoor swimming each morning! I think I need to find something new too. Just to make life a little different and better. Lots of love, Nicole xx.

[@keithjames2450]

Another soothing vlog Nicola, thank you!

[@courtneyhall7140]

as always it is good to follow along. ty santee......on the brazos.

[@acb381]

Can’t believe you went to dig with bottle Ned ! Hopefully you got to do some other hunting while you were in the US , lol , he has a “unique” sense of humor,,,

[@marykaystreasures]

Bottle Ned actually had a clean video for a change 👍❤️👏

[@acb381]

@@marykaystreasures Lol , yep , he was definitely biting his tongue 🤣

[@jeweledsnail]

Right!?

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

ha ha x@@marykaystreasures

[@philipstephan5451]

I was admiring all of your finds, and you brought up the cats eye road reflector. Here in the states we used them for a while, but then they realized the snow plows in the wintertime were ripping them out of the road ways when they had to plow snow off the roads. Maybe that is how the one you found ended up in the Thames river. Stay safe take care.😊

[@NatalieHobson-ww2mx]

What a lovely lady Nicola is!I'm new to this channel, it's so interesting to see bits of history, things that belonged to people from centuries gone by, I look forward to more videos and more finds 💜 xxx

[@danellabarnes-penman1118]

Thank you for making my Sunday morning wonderful!

[@cindyclark540]

❤ thank you. Today is my birthday. I love watching you and si finds frim Millington Michigan.

[@juliebates5315]

Great finds! Thanks for your shared wisdom! ❤🦘

[@randym8963]

Thank you Nicola, wonderful finds.

[@aropals672]

So very lucky to be able to bring back such amazing peices from so many years of history!

[@jimwhite7607]

Thank you Nicola hope you had a great weekend I so enjoyed all of your videos bless you and yours see ya next weekend

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤️

[@UniqueNovelties4U]

I've been watching you and many other mudlarkers for at least 5yrs or more.. and well I would comment to some how I thrift lark.. well a few months ago I started videoing and I share what I find.. I know I've been living vicariously through you all and have now decided to share my love with you and everyone who will watch.. LOL.. I still enjoy your videos and many others... TY for sharing for all these years..

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

thrift larking sounds like great fun! I will check your videos out.

[@eugenehatin.420]

Coming from Burlington vermont I only can dream of mudlarking the river Thames so Much history!!!! Nothing like it anywhere near me :(

[@MarcelaTysoe]

Great finds!

[@grandee4383]

I get so excited when I see you’ve uploaded a new video and this one did not disappoint!!! Thank you sweet Nicola for sharing your incredible adventures with us!! Love from DeeAnn 🇺🇸

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. Love from Nicola x

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

You have good eyes, you see beautiful things that make me squint. How nice the Cricket pipe. Yes, indeed cat eyes in the Thames. Another nice vlog.

[@kimberlykline504]

Congratulations Jordan & Josh! 💓

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@suzymarshall4898]

Congratulations Jordan and Josh!!!! ❤

[@robertgregson9333]

the cricket bat pipe has a pattern on the seam old cricket balls were stitched in same design I think

[@susancousins8766]

Hi 👋🏻 Nicole great and wonderful finds this day. You are the pipe Queen of the Foreshore! Love old drift wood it’s so pretty. I hope you have a fantastic week ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💜

[@kevinbovin7856]

Button looks like a coldstream guards ...nice find

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Yes spot on!

[@JohnPAdv]

beautiful finds nicola:)***❤😊

[@cindybetten7573]

Nic, if I may call you Nic. Your videos are always GREAT! I don’t know what else to say but please keep up the excellent work and “we” will keep watching!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤

[@geraldoreyes6146]

Love watching your videos, looking forward every Sunday afternoon too see what you found, specially coins. Have a blessed week.

[@gregbiggs7564]

Nicola it’s always a Brilliant watch of your MudLarking 🔥🔥🔥 just enjoy your MudLarking/Bottle digging/metal detecting videos 👍👍👍👍 cheers from Mississippi 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@nickimontie]

Congratulations, Jordan and Josh❤

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864]

Hi, Wanted to tell you I just received 'MUDLARK'D and it will make a great conversation piece on my coffee table. I haven't had a single moment to really sit down and read it but cant wait. Thank you for the suggestion. Too bad he didn't sign this one but cherish it none the less.

[@lindagomez3114]

Hi Nicola 👋 getting to see you twice in one week, very cool 😎❤️ I love the swans and music at the beginning 😍 and love all your finds!!!

[@Thehuntinghillbilly2]

Great finds! The Knife is cool, I’d keep it for sure

[@lindaogle1373]

Love to watch your outing on the Tam.ri

[@superbellabeau]

Great watching you down on the Thames as always. Some unsual finds today although pipes are always guaranteed. Loved seeing your video with Si. ❤😊

[@claycountybrian5645]

Some interesting finds this week, Nic ! Thanks !! Just noticed the hat on the grinning pup 🙂 NO clay pipes 😐 just this one I'm smokin' now 😶‍🌫 🤘 🤠 ✌

[@dr1609]

The dog is probably a hyena

[@helenburke9507]

Absolutely fabulous video once again. Happy you’re home safe . So many wonderful items. So lil time with Father Thames 🇺🇸

[@joyceclark8476]

Hi Nicola, always love seeing you and your wonderful videos. Awesome finds and I do love those swans. Thank you, Joyce America ❤️🇺🇸🙏

[@jimmymalone3494]

I enjoyed your video.I hope you have a great week.

[@Tom_J23]

Thanks Nicola!

[@roypowell3450]

Hi Nicola, good finds in this episode, don't know if you are having problems with people leaving comments, this is my third attempt! strange....Anyway love from Norfolk.

[@johnloughlin5821]

lovely show thanks

[@juanitabefort8829]

Oh im so glad you are swimming! Its one of the healthiest things you can do!

[@Clarytee217]

Jordan and Josh, all the best du you guys! ❤

[@jordandouglas5953]

Thank you!

[@rogerdempsey7227]

Awesome token great information about the history so much history love the fines and information stay blessed and see you again on the next episode .🙏🙋‍♂️🌺💝💐

[@grahamwalker2312]

One of my neighbours is a relative of Percy Shaw and part of the Reflecting Roadstuds family. The story goes that, before WW2, Percy's preferred 'watering hole' was called The Old Dolphin in Queensbury. It was about 3 mile journey from his home in Boothtown, Halifax. One night Percy was attempting to navigate his way home in his car from Queensbury. It's not uncommon for the weather to be exceedingly 'changeable' in Queensbury being one of the highest local communities in West Yorkshire. This particular night it was very foggy. Percy used to try follow any tramlines that were available. On this particular night he was approaching the junction between Queensbury Road and Windy Bank Lane at a place called Catherine Slack. It's here that he reputably saw his car headlights reflecting in the eyes of a cat. I'm told that the idea of using reflective glass set into a metal based in the road had already been patented some years earlier. Percy improved on this idea by making them self cleaning, the glass 'eyes' being installed in a rubberised mounting. However, the family say, Percy's great achievement was over the next few years turning this idea from a concept into a complete industrialised process with a marketable product being massed produced for its customers.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

wow how interesting! Thank you for sharing this

[@christhompson4270]

Another awesome video, take care and thanks for sharing 👏🙏❤️

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Chris

[@buttons3232]

Wood knot looks like a crow’s head profile…also, the swans in the intro- it must be love! 💖🇺🇸😎

[@shirleynitka5030]

Another lovely video. That new pipe was magnificent. That's a keeper for sure. I'd hold on to that knife as well. Some things a so unique you need to hold onto them. I couldn't let go of anything. I never saw anything like your cats eyes. I thought it was a toy car with weebles in it. That you do need. That decorative metal is lovely. I keep expected you to cut yourself on things. The amount of gems never ends. Keep on keeping on Nicola. Godspeed.

[@ginavandam735]

Awesome video..and you- always so caring and lovely! Greetings from Sweden🇸🇪

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thank you Nicola!!!

[@markgoddard2560]

That piece of wood you found after the chair arm, makes a wonderful eagle head, complete with eye and shaped beak.

[@lorreprentiss3604]

I love all those square head long nails. I would love to find some of those. great video.

[@ianbennett1491]

Wow ,that pipe was a fantastic find..I bet you were BOWLED OVER. 😀😀

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Very good 😅

[@Liz-sn1mm]

Nicola, the colours of your shirt are wonderful with your hair and complexion.

[@vonny10096]

Great video as usual, always a pleasure to watch.The piece of wood/knot from a pier or ship looked like a birds head, beak and eye, then, as you said, the crow liked the idea of you taking it home to make something, maybe he knew its already a half created crow head.

[@fallonbea]

I only just discovered your channel and I love it so much! I wish I could do that, I get excited when you spot something. Good luck mudlarking … from Minnesota USA 😊

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you and welcome!

[@kbwoodcock]

OMG, that pipe is gorgeous. Lucky you. ❤️

[@arturton]

Thank you for sharing Guy's design, and theinteresting info on the token

[@dulciemidwinter1925]

We found a very similar pipe when digging in the bottom of our garden. Interestingly, we have a very old pub called 'The Cricketers' just down our road with a cricket green in front of it. It has pride of place in our little curio cupboard.

[@connieward2042]

My favorites, the pipes! Thank you!

[@margaretcaskie7245]

😮love the music and pictures of the swans and other birds ❤x

[@peppiino]

Thank you so much again 💓