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 [e-mail]
Thank you as always for watching. Comments and feedback welcome. See you soon.
Lots of love, Nicola

[@vickinoeske1154]

Congratulations, Fran.🎉❤ How lovely that you've written AND illustrated a book. Wishing you every success with the book.

[@MsCripplex]

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!

[@jackiedulson192]

Just popping in to say “same”! Love your handle ❤!!

[@anitadavidson1266]

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!

[@daveroberts4933]

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.

[@LeaC-lw8xl]

I remember when you found the “dog”. That was brilliant. I think he looks quite dashing in his hat! #gomudlarking.

[@beritschultz952]

According to the 1852 commercial directory, Edward Hannam was a tailor at 424 Strand.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Oh my goodness I didn't find that! Thank you. I'll look that up

[@donnasellers3122]

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

[@leslierumph7887]

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?

[@Mudhooks]

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.

[@catherineanderson2127]

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.

[@PennyHays44]

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.

[@Michelle-tk9jq]

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?

[@user-oh4ix8rp7d]

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

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Hooray! 😂

[@catloverx8]

I think the hat has broadened the grin on your little friend!! He feels complete now!

[@michaelcarley9866]

I thought she might look cute with the hat on.

[@Danigys]

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

[@vavrajj]

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

[@whitneylake2107]

I think Fran's book is adorable ! There is such mirth from this channel and so many interesting finds. Thank you from Montana !

[@moellerborn]

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!

[@Thatsinteresting363]

The coal shovels would make the cutest garden art!

[@stewartevans9753]

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!😊

[@kimberlykline504]

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

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

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

[@getlostwhenwondering393]

I love the cover of her book. The book is well written and kids will love this.

[@MadelineRose-ep7fj]

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😊.

[@maryannesiskirish4358]

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

[@repeatdefender6032]

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

[@charlesperez9976]

The Kozo love to be embellished,it makes them very happy indeed!

[@chrisberry9017]

There’s no better companion than a marmalade puss!

[@noonehere1793]

That tiny yellow bead presented itself to you so you could save it!🙂

[@pamelabettcher1659]

Balmoral was the Queen's favorite place,wasn't it? How cool to find a piece from there!

[@Seahorse1414]

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 .

[@FindsByPirjo]

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

[@liahurst8575]

So glad you popped up on my KZbin 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!

[@sharonnohren-iw6ru]

Congratulations Fran.. it looks like a good book to read to my Grandchildren❤ #gomudlarking

[@minnierose4398]

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 ❤

[@marionbowler5440]

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 ❣️🇨🇦

[@cindywilson3647]

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 ☀🕶

[@gersgems]

I just love the hat & it fits him perfectly. How nice that Fran has written a book, it looks quite nice. #gomudlarking

[@garyscarborough9367]

I Love Fran talking about her book and her book period! What an Awesome Cool Thing! #gomudlarking

[@GlafkiGuestHouse]

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!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you ❤

[@marinawilkinson5840]

You’re such a lovely lady Nicola. Always lifts my spirits. Well done Fran. 📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚

[@jillfarley520]

Oh, great, perfect viewing pleasure on a Sunday evening! Your doggy looks rather dashing with the hat! Nice finds today!

[@jamesdinsmore9022]

What a dashing hat for your mysterious wooden dog! #gomudlarking

[@maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864]

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

[@grandee4383]

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 🇺🇸

[@christhompson4270]

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 👍🙏❤️

[@jenniferkirkpatrick122]

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

[@lordleonusa]

Love you Nicola, my fellow Londoner! X (I'm 5000 miles away nowadays, but once a Londoner, always a Londoner)

[@ruthrising8600]

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!

[@terryt.1643]

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. 👍👍

[@tonifitz6831]

I enjoyed seeing the dog with his beautiful hat. I also enjoyed hearing about the people from the past #gomudlarking

[@jodianderson5766]

#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 ❤️

[@lynnhaase6060]

The hat is absolutely perfect!

[@juneyshu6197]

Were doing well, finally stopped raining here in California, and weve loads of flowers this year.❤Best to you.‼

[@abeerandamop]

Always good to see you meeting Fran who seemed to bring you luck; wonderful little finds group! #gomudlarking

[@kathryndeloria1834]

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

[@mariab3720]

Fab video as always, we loved seeing the 'gruesome dog' resplendent in his hat! Good luck to Fran for her book!#gomudlarking

[@miriamdumbleton4280]

Nicola dear, any joke that makes folk burst out laughing, can’t be that bad! Carry on, lass.

[@christineanderson4755]

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. 😊

[@lindatodesco1827]

Is the hat a fascinator ? # go mudlarking

[@shelleysmith6342]

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

[@laurieolson830]

Plenty of finds much history today Love Frans book for kiddosBlessedbythe shoreline to you all#gomudlarking

[@shirleynitka5030]

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.

[@honeydiamond5572]

Hi Nicola. Really enjoyed the story about the poor man that lost his eye associated to the huge padlock. #gomudlarking

[@iamshotty]

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

[@cjcarver6290]

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

[@abqresident4461]

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

[@jennifershilling2703]

The hat was a fabulous find for the wood dog from the Congo#gomudlarking

[@SnowPink90]

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!!🥰🌊🐬

[@sheenamoore3938]

Hi Nicola. Glad you enjoyed Chicago. You had some lovely finds.The hat was cute. Well done Fran.

[@jds3493]

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

[@mandalasilver]

We enjoyed your trip to Chicago so much, Nicola! #NoEyedDeer

[@pigoff123]

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

[@rickigingernminniesadventu1134]

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

[@debrafoster4374]

I really enjoyed seeing Dr. Grubler's bottle, I love anything glass, ceramic, etc. Unfortunately, not so many opportunities where I live, so I will live vicariously through you! #gomudlarking

[@kathimorrical9912]

The hat is gorgeous on your dog! Quite jaunty. #gomudlarking ! Wish I could! Thanks for sharing.

[@kay123kay]

Oh I love little buttons with writing on them! I have never found a non plastic button as yet... Frans book looks amazing! #gomudlarking

[@marjane4344]

The delightful lady #gomudlarking Fran brilliant concept for children .

[@DSTREETMEDIA]

“Oh deer” 😉

[@deniseview4253]

Hello, I always enjoy following you where ever you lark. It’s exciting the finds you find.

[@savagesquirrel9828]

Nice hunt. I love the African dog…the hat is perfect. Nice of you to share about Fran’s book. Thanks.

[@stitcherypodcast9298]

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

[@daviddarrall9384]

A lovely combination of 'dog' and hat! UK

[@leebrennan2609]

I enjoyed everything about this video. Thank you all so much.❤😊

[@norabrady13]

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

[@kayesdigginit1519]

The hat looks like a Mardi Gras hat with its purple and gold 😊 still watching 👀

[@williamavery9185]

Why not paint the dog purple to match ?

[@charlesperez9976]

Noooo don’t paint the Kozo purple!!! 🤣

[@kayesdigginit1519]

@@williamavery9185 no way

[@williamavery9185]

@@kayesdigginit1519 Lol !!!

[@alyciashirley5338]

Great job finding all those names, how awesome! #gomudlarking

[@christinewold9995]

How wonderful to find so many names in one day!!! Even better to have history of the names! #gomudlarking

[@lydiaross2554]

#go mudlarking Enjoy your video and the historic research you do about your fines. Lydia in MN USA

[@thistleanddoug5957]

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

[@beckypurplepetal1852]

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

[@chrisberry9017]

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

[@jillfogg2892]

What beautiful videos you make. The children’s book is charming and quite an accomplishment.

[@arciafrench993]

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.

[@cynthiavenegas2891]

#gomudlarking Little Charlie would ❤️ this. I love Nicola and Fran

[@bonnieblosser4211]

In 2012 A mom and her adult daughter went mudlarking on the Thames. They live in America but had spent a year in England seeing as many of the big sites, so they decided to do something very untouristy on this visit. She was intrigued by the bones, i by the pottery shards and pipe stems. We chatted with mudlarker Mike who gifted this mom with a fragment of Bellarmine pottery. Mom is now scheming on how to get back to England for an extended stay so she can have many more mudlarking adventures. In the meantime she enjoys watching Nicola find buttons and beads! #gomudlarking

[@laurabishop7651]

Nicola, I love the research you do about your mudlarking finds! It is quite the educational and historical experience! A mudlarking book for children is a great topic! Even as an adult, I would enjoy reading it! #gomudlarking

[@Nicole-pg5lk]

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

[@johnwillis4706]

Congrats on your book Fran. I hope it sells 3 million copies in a week. Aren't you glad your forbearers treated the Thames like a dust bin? Where it not for their chucking stuff in and losing things in the river you'd have far fewer wonderful finds today.

[@ceciliasims7374]

Loved your jokes! I have to share the only joke I have memorized. Since I am a nurse in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. A body washed up on the beach (or foreshore of the River Thames) and the coroner could identify the body was a nurse because the stomach was empty, the bladder was full and the butt was chewed off. #gomudlarking

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

😂

[@susanhenderson5001]

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

[@stevebernardo1910]

I always love the history on the clay pipes. one of my favorite parts. #gomudlarking

[@larkdavis6041]

I always enjoy when Fran joins you to #gomudlarking! She is so sweet! Huge congratulations to Fran on her book! ❤

[@mytrainofthought]

Always enjoy the history behind the finds! #gomudlarking

[@elizabethscruggs1622]

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.

[@arielbaker-jv7qt]

Best wishes with the new children's book! Wonderful idea!

[@lisepettigrew876]

Always enjoy a good scavenge, I thought the bottle was just lovely, and the name information is always fun to hear afterwards! #gomudlarking