Mudlarking on the River Thames London - The story of Millbank prison

[@charlesperez9976]

You know how much I admire and appreciate that you always take the time to acknowledge the wildlife around you,whose neighborhood you are in. But this video might be your masterpiece in that department! The pigeon flying out of that drain,you can’t catch that moment twice! And the hatchlings at the end,and how dad puffs up with paternal pride,just glorious! If there was such a thing as KZbin awards,you would receive one for this.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you 💖

[@W1VLF]

I have watched many of Nicola's videos, how it is possible that this woman does not have hundreds of thousands of views?? Thank you for the adventures and the time you spend researching your finds!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks! That's very kind you :) Very glad you enjoy them. Nicola x

[@AmericanPatriot-1776]

I melt when it comes to baby birds. You are so wonderful to appreciate those lovely beings. We just rescued a baby dove. He is very independent and we kiss him all the time.

[@soniawheeler2409]

Cuteness overload! You Nicola were also quite cute with your quip “losing buttons and smoking pipes”. I love your videos because not only do I get to go on an outing but I also learn something new every time. But for the life of me I cannot explain why after watching your video I crave a tea. Sometimes it feels as though I’ve become chilly and I need a nice hot milky sweet tea to warm up again. Thank you for that! Feels wonderful!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Hi Sonia! Thank you very much - and that is funny that you crave a tea. I always have an earl grey tea when I get home from mudlarking - sometimes, with crumpet and marmite! x

[@georgiwebsterbyers8041]

Oh Nicola you are a dear to share this with us!!!! I am very blessed to see these hatchings!!!! The buttons are beautiful. Thank you friend!!

[@catnipsoup3641]

♥ I wish I could be there to Mudlark with you, I love finding things as well. Thank you for sharing your finds. ♥

[@michelehood8837]

The cygnets at the end ❤️ How lucky you were to witness that event!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

very lucky!

[@sarahstrong7174]

nicola white mudlark - Tideline Art You would love the Abbotsbury Swannary in Dorset. I went there & saw a little chick gradually pecking a hole to get out. It took a long time. We wanted to help it but I dont think Mama swan would have been happy with that.

[@eatiegourmet1015]

@@sarahstrong7174 - the babies Need to do that themselves! It builds certain muscles that they will need soon after hatching! NEVER "help" a bird out of it's egg or a butterfly out of it's chrysalis - it will handicap them and they may not survive thereafter. Thanks.

[@harbourdogNL]

Not just mudlarking videos, but history lessons as well! Great stuff!

[@ZeroDiscrimination]

Fascinating history on the prison! Love the buttons...great finds. Thanks so much for sharing. ~ Gypsy

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks v much Gypsy! x

[@margiismith8413]

Thanks for sharing your latest mudlarking adventure, interesting history around the buttons and clay pipe you found, and the hatchlings were terrific, cheers 💐👍🏻👏👏💖🇦🇺

[@jaybales3160]

As a retired Prison Warden and University Professor of Criminal Justice in the USA, bravos on you overview of the button. Always enjoy your treasure hunts and informative commentary. Thank you again. See you again soon.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Jay Bales thanks very much Jay. Very interesting career! I'm very interested in criminal justice

[@dottiegnyc1]

Another great video!! Love seeing the little swans!!

[@edwardgriffin8092]

Really nice Nicola, and the little one waving hello to a new world at 14:55 was so sweet :-)

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

oh yes, I know! so very cute :)

[@GLK-London]

I am old enough to remember when bottles used those stoppers!! lol

[@greenmillie1964]

Another wonderful informative video. You and Lucy's Mudlarking Adventures really are a highlight in my week. Thank you Nicola.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

my pleasure. glad you enjoy them! i love making them

[@elizabethscruggs6834]

Nicola, you have a beautiful voice and such a gentle nature. Have you ever thought about writing and illustrating a children's book maybe about a young mudlark who discovers history on the Thames? I can imagine a young boy and his many adventures on the Thames maybe near his home etc. You certainly have the artistic qualities needed and I have no doubt you could write a wonderful story! I love your videos and you are by far my favorite on KZbin. My dream is to come to Thames and mudlark. I live in the US so it may never happen but I hope so some day. Thank you for the stories you add to items you find. It's wonderful!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Elizabeth for your kind comments and feedback. That's a really lovely idea. Im thinking over some ideas and hope to write something one day. So glad you enjoy the videos. The Thames is really a very inspiring place to spend time and the stories behind the finds are so fascinating to research. I do hope that you make it over here for a visit. Nicola

[@lindafarner9755]

Why not a young female vs a male and her adventures on the Thames. Nicola would have plenty to draw from her own experiences and her love of research. Her books would be wonderful to read

[@debspils1091]

Elizabeth Scruggs I second the motion! Wouldn’t that be so genuine and adorable? I know for certain Nicola could do it...but she just has 100 and 1 projects she routinely works on. A busy lady indeed! But if she did, it would be an instant best seller!! Deb

[@clockwork9827]

Lovely film of the swans ! What a large nest... And the goslings are Hardy and cute . hope the newest hatching was able to get out from under Mums wing

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

yes, poor thing! I saw them later and it was not squashed so I guess all worked out ok.

[@altonriggs2352]

I love the history you provide on the finds thanks

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Vernon

[@budgetslimmers697]

Nice footage with the swans. Great prison story too. Thanks for sharing :) xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! x

[@marypass684]

Oh! Again, a great, fun, interesting, and ‘cute’ video ! Really enjoy the info on the prison. We raised ducks and geese. And those baby geese were ALWAYS my favorites. Thanks for a wonder video !!! Looks like it was a beautiful day !

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

Wonderful to see the chicks of the Canadian swan and the nodule swan and the beautiful treasures. Interesting information about the prison system.

[@dawnpiccolo7044]

I'm loving the history story! And the babies, so cute. Thanks again and Happy Mudlarking!

[@marysomerville4381]

Love the swans!! She just rolls on over her baby! Honestly, thank you for your vids! Love them, the research, finding treasures from history, and how thoughtfully you put it all together for us! How neat to end with a pottery shard of swans! Cheers!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Mary

[@mymagiclieswithin]

My friend is into metal detecting and as I was watching video's of river detecting, I stumbled upon you, and I am so glad I did! I find, not only, the art of Mudlarking amazing, but you are a gem. Your calm, gentle, and soothing voice is just what I need after a long tiring day at work. I don't know what you do for a living, but I think you are missing your calling as a therapist. You have given me a greater appreciation for things I might have just passed over before. I truly love the pipes and the craftsmanship that went into making some of them...also love the ink pots and the cool cod bottle!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you very much. I'm delighted you find them relaxing! I find it a very calming activity and hope that comes across.

[@mymagiclieswithin]

It definitely does! I have loved them all!

[@gripplehound]

Wow, wow, wow to this episode Nicola! The stuff about the prison was awesome. Thanks you so much! 🙏🏻❤️

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! And thanks for the great feedback! i found it fascinating myself :)

[@robpower100]

Love the history lesson as well as the foraging for treasures, I'm a Canvey man and grew up playing in the mud and swimming in the creeks brings back some good memories.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

sounds like the perfect childhood!

[@robertabessey7990]

Absolutely precious and beautiful. Thank you for sharing their birth. Just found you not long ago, so I'm watching all your videos. It might take me awhile, but I'm certainly enjoying it. Thank you

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Roberta. Enjoy x

[@Lougallops]

What a lovely day. Thanks for the history tied to your finds. And the signets are icing on the cake.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Linda. Yes, I was so fortunate to be there at the right time!

[@toxigenic]

The cygnets were so darling! I love your videos. I always know that I'm going learn and see something new. Keep up the good work, I can't wait for the next one.

[@hardyakka6200]

Nicola your a legend. Beautiful video. Thanks for the Milbank story now I know why you lot are POMS. Our heads swell with pride if we can find a convict or two in our heritage. They were better men than the guards. Loved the swans . You always seem to find a feed along the Thames.

[@scarabvoodoo]

Thanks for adding the research to make it come alive.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Heather. glad you enjoyed it

[@douglassmith5414]

Oh I do enjoy seeing the birds Nicola. Thanks, that was awesome! You even found a pigeonhole in this video! Lol I really enjoyed the Grand Hatching and the swan pottery nailed it!...You're a Grand Artist! So much enjoyment in so few minutes...

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Douglas! x

[@ginnybullock9627]

oh babies.so cute. i love watching the mudlarking videos. oh how i would love to go myself....but sadly i'm in the states and my health wouldn't let me. oh and your art is amazing. i love the fish you make. oh and the clay pipes. your videos pull me in and it's like i'm there on the thames with you. i love watching chill bill too.

[@ShotofWry]

Fantastic finds rich in history! Thanks, as always, for the research! We have a prison here in Philadelphia that's similar to Millbank. Eastern State Penitentiary opened in 1829 and features a radial design with the cell blocks extending like the spokes of a wheel from a central hub., which allowed the guards to monitor all areas of the prison. Originally all cells were solitary (each with a skylight and tiny exercise yard) as it was believed solitary confinement encouraged penitent reflection on one's crimes. Like Millbank, prisoners were discouraged from speaking to each other, and even the plumbing pipes were installed outside the cells to prevent inmates from tapping on the pipes as a means of communicating with one another. Eastern State closed in 1970 and still stands as a tourist attraction.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

How interesting Thanks Charlie!

[@DigginWithDeej]

Wonderful video. Loved the buttons and especially the swans.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

thank you

[@jeffstrong4311]

Well, that was a treat, watching the little ones make their debut into the world. An on a nice sunny day as well.

[@Jandavis57]

Excellent finds and a wonderful history lesson to boot! Cheers, Jan

[@repetemyname842]

Some pretty awesome intro music today. Some great pipes and buttons and the little baby swans were cute. Maybe that piece of pottery came from a jar of Dapper Dan's pomade? " Oh Brother Where Art Thou" is a great movie...

[@Brenda-qm4sy]

Oh Loved the video Nicola. Thx so much for allowing us to see the past and present through your eyes. Thx so much.❣

[@judytrahan6121]

You always have amazing videos!The swans, were an extra bonus! HH & GL!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Judy! I try my best. yes, the swans! lovely. so lucky to be there at the right time.

[@TheVidusi]

Great video and the info on Millbank prison. The nature shots that you included are beautiful especially the cygnets on this one. Thank you.

[@simonlomas686]

What can I say , brilliant...can't believe what you find...xxxx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Simon!

[@crystalheart9]

Loved seeing the swans with their new babies.

[@waynesmith8949]

Another great adventure! Back in March I had the pleasure of watching a birding group banding swans in our harbour here in Hamilton Ontario. There were nearly 200 of these magnificent birds. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you so much Wayne. And I am shortly going to look at your photos! thanks a million for sending them

[@mememe-kd3ne]

Awesome moment with nature there, the Thames is full of wonderful moments like this :)

[@sandralacinski9695]

That was really great, Nicola, thank you for sharing the information about the prison, excellent history. The cygnets hatching was better than springwatch, really special.

[@mealex303]

Beautiful to see the mum looking so intently.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

I know. she's had about 30 cygnets over the years

[@chinbin2006]

Hi Nicola. That Fuel Cap reminds me of my old BSA motorcycle filler cap. I think the chain and the serrations around the edge give it away. I would guess early 60's maybe earlier! Thank you for the vid's, your presentation makes them all the better!!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

i've found a few petrol caps now. Im rather fond of them! Did I ever think Id be fond of petrol caps?? um no..... :)

[@sylvianedubray8011]

Very impressive the story behind a small find, that's the purpose of mudlarking..... thanks a lot for sharing. 😊👍👍👍

[@aussiegav8996]

Thank you Nicola fantastic bit of history in both buttons . 👍👍👍

[@galacticdolphin1chris927]

Wonderful video about history... and omg look at those baby signets so darn cute 🐦🐦🐦

[@keithcraig7736]

ah Nicola that was amazing,what a fantastic video there,both history and nature side by side,thankyou for sharing with us ,apreciation Nicola, kc Keith, uk👍.peace.

[@richielamb2733]

Mother Nature at its best ❤️, amazing history as always Nicola x

[@cherylmatthews7172]

This video is so cute with the babies. I love all your videos they’re so educational. Thanks for sharing even in this crazy times.

[@saraboone8614]

Love seeing all the finds and learning about the history. Thank you for your videos.

[@blackdog.6398]

That was freaking awesome 👏 I love the narrative it added a personal love for God ,Country, crown, and of coarse the act of Mudlarking thank you for sharing. Blessings, wonderfully done ✅ ..please do more . THANK YOU ...🙏🐾🐾🐾⚔️⚒🗡⛏🎚

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! x

[@zombywoof-0hNo]

Always excellent. Loved watching this. First class documentary.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks very much Ian. Nicola

[@adrianbirkett594]

Lovely video Nicola, swans amazing!

[@robinfisher7287]

I am very excited to learn the history of the treasures that you find. Thanks for sharing with us. I can travel to London without leaving Central Florida.

[@janvafa4253]

Very cool - I love the histories of the items you share with us! And the wee birdies are precious!

[@Flight72]

So nice...! Imagine the things you can find in the Thames banks! Amazing and thanks for sharing

[@B2373G]

Love seeing the history you uncover in your video, Brian from Denmark

[@williamavery9185]

Hello nicola, lovely and informative as usual. Thanks again.

[@SmallWonda]

Gorgeous & fascinating - thanks for such a lovely production :)

[@rum1pole]

You're very popular Nicola, hope your weekend was a good one. 30 minutes gone by, and your near the 500 mark. Enjoying every moment looking at your finds on the Thames thanks 😚

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you!

[@camplinpb]

Great video footage Nicola with great finds and a great story around your finds, GL & HH , ATB Paul

[@clauwilla]

Buenas noches Nicola. Maravilloso vídeo y estupenda información. Los cisnes preciosos. Gracias ,hasta el próximo.

[@Jamcam99]

Was at the Enniskillen castle depicted on the pipe and button a few weeks ago. Great footage of the swan hatching.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

oh how interesting Im going to have to visit myself too!

[@BoboLaTuque]

I truly do enjoy your videos; please keep them coming. I love seeing the swans and the cygnets. We don't have swans here in eastern Canada, but we do have Canada geese (of course); and my wife and I always love looking for the goslings, or as we call them the "greenies" as they appear greenish as wee birds. Please keep it up, my dear.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you

[@markcherriman6136]

I'm in awe of your finds we don't get anything like what you discover here in Wales . I walk miles in the mud each week here , hoping . Video ,as always , excellent , Countryfile could do with you to boost their ratings .

[@jimkey920]

I love you research. Swans are lovely, life goes on down the Thames.

[@adrianford2336]

Another great video Nicola and enjoy the history that goes with it.

[@marionlyon7349]

Happy Easter, beautiful birds, new life! Thank you, Nicola,😅

[@marlenejordan1696]

Wonderful video Thank you, Nicola

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you

[@suetaylor5186]

Always a joy to see one of your uploads xxx keep up the good work and happy hunting

[@manisally]

Another great video Nicola thank you.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you David

[@GarnetCarmichael]

Remarkable. From beginning to end. Thanks very much Nicola.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks so much Garnet x

[@richardwarnock2789]

There's a lovely peaceful mud Larkin adventure thanks nice finds and the P. O. M. Story very interesting that from a button that good too!! Nice ending!!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Richard.

[@wrxs1781]

Well done again, and I have always wondered where the nick name "Pomy" came about. Now I know. BBC definitely needs quality like you produce. I have told them!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you!

[@mr.bearandpokekid24]

Love your mud larking adventures and history lessons.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you!

[@steveshepherd2712]

Love the research bit on your finds, it's another thrill 😃

[@kerrykrishna]

Nicola, I am so enjoying your vids. Please keep to going!

[@stanleyrucci21]

Without reading 300+ comments, Millbank seems exactly like an penitentiary near my home. Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Same idea with speaking and the hoods so you didn't see anyone and shape of things and overall architecture. Only difference really is that Eastern State is still standing and open for tours. Prisoners are long gone through. Great video and interesting history lesson! Thank You for sharing your finds!

[@LedgerAndLace]

I love the research you do and the history behind the items you find. I can never look at a bottle stopper or pipe without thinking of you! LOVE the baby swans at the end of the vid, too. THANKS, Nicola! (And YES, you could read the phone book for us)! ;-)

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Hali! so kind of you x

[@colarisaka]

Fantastic video! They keep getting better. Some baby birds look furry, like they don't have proper feathers yet! You would make a fantastic narrator in a movie or documentary!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Dustin

[@suddenlystupid]

USA here thank you for the video of the hatchlings if not for you I would not have ever seen one. I am 75, female and don't get around much anymore.

[@KittenStitcher]

Great video -- loved the history lesson and the babies at the end. :) - T

[@johnmaisfield4340]

Brilliant once again Nicola 👍🏻

[@Laura-by2nt]

I love watching your videos! I always learn something new.

[@nigelkavanagh2048]

Being from northern ireland myself Nicola, I would strongly recomend You visit inniskillen sometime.it is a wonderful place full of history and one of the most scenic places in Ireland.I am sure you would love it.

[@Sifinds]

Another great vid! Well done pal!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks!

[@gonedetectinguk4578]

Great hunt n loved The hatchlings

[@mlbwashere]

ooh I like the Sun Up orange Juice bottle... I love the history you find.

[@hurricanemike4084]

Hi Nicola ! Awesome simply awesome! Love ya , see ya!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! x

[@stevedarcy9542]

Fantastic video Nicole. Love the history belonging to the finds and the way you tell the story absolutely wonderful. Awesome wildlife footage to finish on.Thanks you for sharing.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks a million Steve

[@evildoll7787]

After the battle of Waterloo Napoleon was imprisoned in a prison ship off the coast of Plymouth where I live. OuO Great finds and video as always Mudlarking Mummy...

[@nancyvolker3342]

I love the swan shots...special!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

yes, i was sooo fortunate

[@Pwrcritter]

Nancy Volker and the ambient sounds..

[@jeffreyrobinson3782]

Mum and dad were quit proud thanks for that mate

[@Katseye102]

Total cuteness at the end! ❤️❤️❤️

[@simonrichardson5077]

Quality work Nicola,thank you