Mudlarking the River Thames - A diamond in the mud

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Hi Everyone. Thank you for your kind comments. Im going to have a good read through tomorrow morning. They are all much appreciated. Some people have asked about the music at the end. it is music from the site I use to have music which is not copyrighted. The song is "Hymn for the Seekers" and it is here;- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqmqYmaNrtR1jLM Thanks again. Nicola xx

[@mirkatu3249]

Thank you for the music link. It's quite appropriate. :-)

[@blktauna]

you should convince Angelo and the guys to write and perform a theme song for you

[@anutterperspective]

I love this one, will save link & tyvm Nicola!

[@r.ridderbusch7303]

A hauntingly beautiful song, and so appropriate.. I thought it was you singing it!

[@electronicdawg]

Your are work is very nice. Tastefully well done.

[@patricialessard7150]

I lived in Billerica,Massachusetts growing up. It was very rural then and we uncovered an old foundation close. to the house. Turned out it was a blacksmith's shop and home from between the 17 to 1800's (we had a friend that studied the history of the area). When we dug in our yard for like the garden, we dug up many British coins from the middle 16 to the 1700's. Alot of other iron and many old bottles. When I watch what you do,it brings back many great memories. Thank you for the lovely videos and may you make many great and lovely finds.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you x

[@fishinwidow35]

I have colonial roots in Billerica starting when it was Tewksbury.

[@Greeningermany]

My husband found that PP represents the Palestine Police and I googled an image of a Palestine Police button and low and behold...identical to the one you found. Always love your videos, and the research you do to fill in the back story of the items you find. Cheers!!

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

Your husband nailed that.

[@kautostar1977]

Nice to know, had a good look myself!

[@justdustino1371]

Well I'll be! Palestine was a British mandate after the Treaty of Versailles so that button is 1919-1920s!

[@justdustino1371]

@@RunningGrass-we7tm Yep! There happens to be a lot of 3 for sale on eBay right now, all with Firmin backmarks. But, the say "London & Birmingham". Didn't Firmin acquire Armstrong in Birmingham after WW1? I'm a new one to British buttons I've been collecting American state militia and Span-Am era naval ones. 😊

[@roxannmartin4621]

Your excitement at 7:39 made me giggle. Can only imagine digging up those pieces of history. Another great video so far, gonna finish watching now...

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Random comment - I’ve noticed that you worry that the “wind sounds” might be annoying to some people. People that are viewing/listening to your videos. Personally, I appreciate ALL of the sounds. The sounds create an atmosphere, each one adding to the mental imagery. Hearing the wind, the water lapping against and over shore. Hearing the sounds of hundreds of little Thames River fragments jangling against and over each other. The sounds of birds and boats. Your footsteps, each one sounding slightly different depending on the surface. Your metal trowel moving against every material imaginable, makes such a particular tone. The gentle splish splash of the water as you wash mud from a treasure. The increased rhythm of the water upon the shoreline as a boat travels past. And...the wind, the sounds of the wind upon the microphone, adds yet another layer. All of these sounds and many many more are fabulous and appreciated - well, by this subscriber anyway. I love it all. All the sounds. Thank you for sharing your beautiful adventures, wind and all. 🙂🐿❤️🌈

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you very much. That's so kind of you to say. I really appreciate your comments. Nicola

[@howlandowlle7953]

I have to say what a pleasure it is to vicariously participate in this kind of recreational archeology. It's along a long populated stretch of river that is sure to have accumulated thousands of intriguing bits. And the minutiae it yields feels intimate to people's lives. I was into this video already, then you really got me at 16:44 with the bowl of a gorgeous clay pipe. I immediately imagined the character of some past riverman or workman with shavings of cheap brick tobacco. What a little beauty! Thank you for the fun.

[@dr_steve]

I learn something new every time I watch your videos, Nicola, thus disproving the old wives' tale that you CAN indeed teach an old dog new tricks! Thanks for taking me along for the hunt.

[@theresac.3216]

Nicola, Queen of the "teeny, weeny" mudlark finds! 😉

[@repetemyname842]

A great day for smalls, I love the detail in that little pendant thing. Thanks again Nicola for sharing your world with us.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you for watching! x

[@Adam-Gates-Mudlark]

Really nice video Nicola - The sounds of the summer waves are so relaxing (especially with headphones)

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Adam!

[@mauriliozamora6627]

Great score on that diamond and gold ring, i can't belive that the diamond is still there. Congrats on the rest of your cool finds Nicole. Happy hunting!

[@darkraven4211]

Dear Nicola, I love the night time mudlarking. We should start a petition to have you on national television to bring to life relics of the past. Thank you for the care you give in making video. Poppet

[@lindaodellvt]

I am convinced more than ever you have the eyesight of an eagle. To pick out that tiny ring, and the single metal horse leg is remarkable among the jumble of mud, rocks and slimy weeds! It's exciting to wonder what you will find next, I feel I'm along on the treasure hunt.

[@retrobebop61]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@2115virgo13]

The sound of the waves so relaxing . What fun treasures hunting!

[@suewilson1801]

her voice, the waves, glimpses of birds... just lovely

[@patifagan6774]

Yes ,you rescue treasures.Enjoy watching your videos

[@kitchenworker446]

I love the way you make the tiniest little item sooooooo interesting! Thank you for sharing. I've had a lovely Sunday afternoon watching first Sifinds and then you. My two favourite mudlarkers.xx

[@louisahusteden8903]

I did exactly the same thing first Si then Nicola made my day!

[@connieward2042]

Was holding my breath awaiting a pipe find. Whew thank god. I love the pipes

[@joypowers563]

Always look forward to pipe finds ...

[@BoingBB]

The pottery bird's head was nice and the snake belt fastener took me back a good few years! btw the fishing weight is called an Arlesey bomb, developed by the famous angler Richard Walker, who caught the record (at the time) 44lb carp, which spent the rest of its life in the aquarium at London Zoo.

[@Raaadome]

Exquisite fishes Nicola thanks for sharing I do love your work And the boot 👌

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Nicola. Lovely teeny weeny treasures. Plus I find the wind and water sounds incredibly relaxing. Thanks again.👍💜

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Annette. Im glad you dont mind the wind sound. many hate it!! :) xox

[@0rluh]

I had no idea this was a thing and now here I am 5 hours later still watching. It’s so fascinating.

[@thomasodonnell9221]

As someone who has gone thru much adversity recently, nothing uplifts me so much as your muddy bits and pieces.

[@dougzirkle5951]

As the Thames has been used for centuries as a watery grave for human waste & castoff detritus , the fact that you can pull from its’ shores the little gems that you glean, comes as a constant surprise to me. The horses leg nearly caused me convulsions of admiration.

[@arciafrench993]

I watch you from NewHampshire USA. Love all your videos. Before I start looking I always say, Let me find something awesome today! It has worked for me. Can’t wait for spring here so I can get back out there.

[@battz99]

ha ha, when I was a small lad in the early 50s I was the proud owner of a snake belt bought for me by my mum. I was photographed always wearing it no matter what trousers I had on, always shorts because in those days you didn't get to wear long trousers until you were a 'big boy'. Seeing that snake belt buckle brought back memories of a lttle boy being photographed on my mum's old box camera with my eyes screwed up because I always had to face into the sun. Happy days. Just came back to add, that 'clip' looks to me to be a suspender off a lady's old corset! Don't ask me how I know...

[@Andy_U]

Hiya. Snap! To both the belt AND the suspender belt/corset stocking fastening. Lol. All the best to you.

[@battz99]

@@Andy_U Remember those never-ending summers that seemed to go on forever and we'd go out in the morning with our pals with perhaps a cheese sandwich and a bottle with orange squash in it in our little knapsack and get back home ravenous in the afternoon, dirty with our knees scraped and ready to eat the house down.

[@Andy_U]

@@battz99 - I do. Out on our bikes or using a 'Red Rover' bus pass bought from the local garage. Sarnies would be eaten in a park somewhere or even a wood (the country wasn't so built-up back then). 'Twas a friend introduced me to the joy of Ham & Salad Cream. Lol. In a sandwich! From then on, I was a 'foodie'. Lmao.

[@robertkelly3313]

Another lovely video, how relaxing to watch.

[@cynthiaswearingen1037]

Nicola, this was a lovely outing! The tiny gold ring is beautiful, so precious! I always love your finds and the history you give for them. And the egg cup with the bird's head is wonderful! Thanks for taking me with you!

[@kenszymkowiak3171]

Stuck in Seattle after a week in Alaska with my kid. Two hours sleep over 48 and Delta kept pushing back the departure time. I only needed to get to Portland. 30 minute flight tops. Thank the god of seekers your video was there to take some of the sting out of waiting in the airport. So much love to you. Thanks for being there.

[@moodyjeep]

Another Superb Upload Nicola,.....& The Voice of our own Earthly Angel. Thanks for sharing Nicola. Barrie.

[@lisasteimer5860]

Nicola I love your enthusiasm. You are like a little kid in a candy store! I would be the same if I was there! Take care and be safe.

[@ShellyMay28]

Love all different rocks, bricks, and glass.

[@missmaryh6932]

Beautiful Art work. Gorgoues fish Really stunning. Love the mudlarks. X

[@malcolmpayne754]

I love watching your videos and almost wish I lived in London by the Thames. You certainly have some most interesting finds and the shoe you found reminded me that when I was a child there were lots of shoe menders (cobblers) about housed in isolated sheds often located on waste land. One day I took my football boots in for repair to have the studs replaced and the cobbler asked how I had worn down the studs so much and was astonished to learn that I had been playing football with my mates on a concrete surface. He immediately started to tell me off for being so foolish. Needless to say that that most shoes were repairable in those days unlike the throw away society we live in today. Just goes to show how your videos can stir up personal memories from the past.

[@gothmorph]

This is just plain cool ...bits n pieces waiting to be found ...thank you for your well put together videos tis a groovy thing..

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Jack!

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Thank You,Nicola! I always Love to stomp in the mud with you from Pa. I was glad you found one pipe, I would have gone through pipe withdrawal had you not found at least one. Funny ho some days you find six or more and other days just one. That one piece of metal I believe is a small pulley. Looks like a tiny wheel in the frame and in brass. Fun finds indeed! Love, Light, Peace and that gold coin waiting for you in the mud of the Thames! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@lovelyskull3483]

Such lovely finds, Thank You Nicola.

[@JehanineMelmoth]

I think I’m having a slow day - all I could think of when I saw the ‘PP’ was Pretty Polly stockings! Then at another point I thought, ooh, Nicola’s found a lovely trowel. That’ll come in useful!

[@dianeaylesbury3072]

Hi Nicola, thank you for your time and effort and videos. Awesome and amazing. Diane from Southampton UK

[@mirkatu3249]

Enjoyed it. I think my fav find was the little bird head on the pottery.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! And of course I realised after that I completely forgot about it!! x

[@mirkatu3249]

@@nicolawhitemudlark Considering all the treasure you have accumulated, I think you do a fantastic job combining past and present similar items! :-)

[@noahfickel7698]

The bird head resembles a pie whistle. Is there a clear path through the beak? Pie whistles are used to let steam escape so the crust doesn't balloon.

[@dianedoe2]

Love all your finds, thanks for sharing Nicola 👍

[@suetaylor5186]

Always a joy to see one of your vlogs xxx My favourite was the little birds head and the horses leg!!!

[@AECRADIO1]

Local history and artifacts so unknown to us Yanks on the western edge of the pond, and also in the deserts of the southwest. So many items are so foreign to us. I love it all !

[@kikinnit]

It’s nice watching your little treasure hunts through the mud ! I watch having my morning coffee - such a sweet treat

[@davewhittington1368]

Some lovely finds , love the buttons , bottle stops and gold with a diamond. Thanks so much for sharing. Be safe

[@chinbin2006]

A great explore Nicola and some wonderful finds! Love watching you find the past.

[@moirablack3768]

Thanks Nicola another enjoyable mud lark with you🤗👍🙏

[@TheFiown]

Imagine in a few weeks time in the same spot you look down and suddenly you see the tiny stone from that ring ! Nothing would surprise me, Supermudwoman !! xxxx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

The tiny stone is actually in the ring!

[@TheFiown]

@@nicolawhitemudlarkYES of course I post before finishing but I always Watch to the end, it's a lovely day out and I need the exercise Nicola ! I am sure that if stone wasn't in the ring that you would still find it. It's like your collegue Richard Hemery who pickes up a shard of brown stuff and tells you it's part of a medeival drinking cup from 1431 ! You KNOW I am a fan ! xoxoxoxo

[@stephentuckfield4425]

Nicola you are the diamond in this golden video.

[@kevinron7559]

Hi Nicola, your find of that manky ring where you read it as 90t & S11 actually says 9ct & Sil which means, as you probably know, 9ct plated on Silver. I love the boot.

[@michelleross9782]

Are you sure, SI 1 is 1 slight inclusion on a diamond. I think the big question is how old is the ring because plating is only so old & I am unsure when the diamond grating began...

[@chrisweatherley9587]

s11 is the diamond clarity. 901 is an old hallmark for %90.1 gold.

[@noreenedge8951]

@@chrisweatherley9587 Quite right Chris.

[@kathyrobinson9959]

@@chrisweatherley9587 I would agree also.

[@mthom4615]

ah but it's not s1 it's s11 and an s11 diamond is very very good one, much better than say a engagement ring which might be a V rated diamond, or a cheaper poorman's diamond ring which could be as low as G rated..... Not likely to be found in a 9kt gold ring. @@michelleross9782

[@birdie399]

The metal snake is the fastener for a snake belt. The belt was usually worn by children and was all elastic coated with material. The belts were nearly always decorated with a horizontal, colourful stripe(s) design. I wore mine in the 1950s. Also the snake was shiny silver.

[@johnt2257]

Thanks Nicola wonderful episode

[@moniquekessel4379]

Awesome finds love them detailed buttons 😍

[@haroldlundy6810]

LOVED THE BUTTON WITH THE GOLD GILT AND THE BIRD'S HEAD. NEATO. GOOD VIDEO NICOLA.

[@redarmysoja]

Another awesome video. I'm quite envious of your ability to go mudlarking. I liked the little pottery shard with the bird's head, I'd put that on a shelf and admire him.

[@peterjackson6547]

What a charming person....and excellent photography.

[@TheMickvee]

As a child in the early 60s, we had elasticated belts with buckles identical to the one you found. They were always called "Snake belts".They were very cheaply made. I am amazed that yours survived in the mud for so long!

[@lesleyhawes6895]

They used to be worn on Boy Scouts' and Cubs' uniforms in my day and my home area.

[@sallysassa]

Your videos are so relaxing, Nicola. Thank you.

[@garydilbeck8882]

It’s nice to think that all of those items are on a journey. Sitting idle waiting for someone like you to get them moving again. Well done!

[@elizabethscruggs1622]

Love you Nicola and great finds as usual. I love that music but of course not as well as Collaterals. I love the history behind your items and the way you express and tell the stories behind the items. Until next time. And thank you for this fabulous 25 minutes of joy in my life.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you for watching Elizabeth. Hugs, Nicola x

[@llchapman1234]

It's so fascinating that all these items have passed through the hands of people who came before. I also love that your KZbin community helps out in identifying those "mystery items". Very wonderful channel and community that you have here.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you very much! xox

[@donellemiller6680]

Was beginning to worry when you hadn't found a pipe or fraction then low and behold an unusual bowl! What fun finds! Great variety of treasures - thanks for sharing them and there history!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! I was trying to give everyone a pipe break!! :) x

[@donellemiller6680]

@@nicolawhitemudlark I love the pipes! You always seem to find that 1 unusual piece to add to the collections! Love the pattern of this find. Thanks again.

[@lesliekeene4201]

@@nicolawhitemudlark noooo... dont give us a break! i love the extractions and its exciting to see a new or unusual design. you are the Queen of Pipes!!

[@jackiebeans2689]

Great finds. So fun to lark with you!💕

[@bingobutler9656]

Thanks for another great video Nicola. Can't wait to see what you find next.

[@suecordingley538]

Great video Nicola! Your fish are beautiful!

[@johny9516]

Always enjoy your videos! Thanks for taking us along on your adventures!

[@jeltyson6001]

Nicola your videos are great you just love what your doing can't wait after the lockdown you can get back to the River Thames take care be safe love j t. Chicago originally from Islington.

[@pjfoltz8810]

You always find the coolest pieces of pottery!

[@eileenmcconnell738]

Hello. There is one object that looks like a pulley for a small rope. I so enjoy your videos. Thanks, Eileen from Clatskanie, Oregon USA

[@mcgoughjon]

Hi Nicola, another great video and your right with the Palestine Police. My Father served with them after his service in WW2 from 1945-48 when the mandate ran out. They had their final parade at Buckingham Palace having marched down the Mall, the then King stopped and spoke to a guy on my Dads right and Queen spoke to one on the left. Our present Queen did not attend as she was unwell but he saw her watching proceedings from a balcony. My Dad did say they carried on with liquid refreshments in Tommy Ducks bar opposite Liverpool Street station which i believe still trades ? So in 1948 the buttons popped off due to excessive celebrations and rolled down onto the shore line. X

[@mcgoughjon]

Sorry correction it was Dirty Dicks bar not Tommy Ducks

[@sallya.2412]

You have an eye for finding the smallest things. Even the small things are still a unique find.

[@PeachSt8Digger]

Very nice, Nicola. Always interesting and calming. I sit in anticipation for the next.

[@jsteere9222]

My Dad was a manual worker for London Electricity Board so always wore overalls with a bib and they always fastened with a clip like that. It was on the straps that went over the shoulders and the narrow bit went over a button that was on the bib. The strap could be adjusted. A bit like a suspender for stockings. I remember fixing them back on for him after they were washed.

[@rogerdempsey7227]

Yes awesome little fines sweet I enjoy your videos as usual you stay blessed and I'll see you on your next one take care

[@cynthiafranco4313]

love the glass fishes enjoyed your video's

[@marisoljensen7083]

Educational and relaxing exploring adventures. ♥ Thank you for taking us with you.

[@james5460]

A nice morning's mudlark! Great to see what one foray really looks like (rather than multiple trips all stitched together).

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Agreed although sometimes I have to patch a few together

[@BMW7series251]

Wow Nicola, loved the video as usual. Looking forward to your next one. x

[@abdelhak3809]

I think To myself; the piece of ceramic you found is part of a musical toy [ bird-shaped whistle (sifflet à eau oiseau)] that I used to play with as a child. Nice souvenir.😄 .Thanks for sharing.

[@fabianbataglia3697]

Like always, the video is wonderful. Regards from Argentina, my Lady Queen of Thames River.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Fabian! x

[@suddenlystupid]

USA HERE Again another fun and interesting hunt. I think your videos are some of the best I have seen and I really enjoy the information. I hope you are not going out in the dark by yourself I don't know about England but the USA is not safe in the night.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you

[@martic51]

I enjoy videos like this so much, thanks for Sharing!

[@tymeryder7264]

you are a delight, love your adventures.

[@sandybuchart6017]

I'm so glad I came across your mudlark site ! I wish I could be there with you and find something! Keep making your videos and I will pretend I am right there with you!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Sandy xx

[@sharonclifford7539]

The best part of a Sunday afternoon, the ‘PP’ button looks like a livery coat/coachman coat, only a guess having seen many different designs on coats. Beautiful video. Thank you.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you sharon xx

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

belated thanks as always I love Sundays

[@rontesh6244]

Hi there, I have enjoyed your mudlarking so much. My health is not good, so getting to go with you is a great way to pass the day, best of luck Ron

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Ron x

[@argleplonidge5838]

21:53 is a small pulley wheel block. The sort of size that the cord in a small sash window would run on. Always a pleasure to see your latest video on a Sunday afternoon/evening.

[@advenzures]

Very nice video, Nicola. Thank you for sharing. Happy Hunting.

[@costrio]

When I was a kid, I never thought that one day, I'd be able to do a virtual tour of many British sites with people who investigate the refuse of the past. Before the satellite era, this would have been a plot line description in a science fiction novel, methinks.

[@alisonmoffitt1051]

The glass fish are just beautiful!

[@ggsmith099]

What a fun morning finding treasure on the Thames, I do enjoy the skyline of the city. I'm just an old country boy I've never been to a very big city! Have you ever wondered what the swan sees on the bottom where you can't go? I find that I'm for every jealous over here in Tennessee I did enjoy the video thanks take care! 😎💨

[@redfog42]

Delightful as always x

[@jonathancampbell5523]

Wow! At 15:45 there was the most interesting looking engraved stone with a triangle and measuring marks. It looked ancient.

[@barbarapaver3681]

Snake buckles can be dated back to Roman times. They have been used as military buckles in Britten for over 200 years. In the US the snake buckle was imported around 1860 for use in military kit known as Enfield Snake Buckles. Both the Union and Confederate Arm's used them. You may want to send it to your finds person for better dating. It's a great artifact.

[@thomasodonnell9221]

Couldn't join you live. As usual, full of historical infornation. Spot on and enjoy the voyage with Angelo and Bon Jovi.

[@oldestnerd]

It's away great fun watching your videos. Thank you

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thankyou for sharing your lark.

[@BoboLaTuque]

Hello Nicola: very nice video. You know, I must say I admire and envy your ability to see such small articles in the Thames mud. Especially since there seems to be hardly a square foot with nothing on it! Amazing! When I walk on beaches etc. here, if I see something it IS something, because there's precious little to find. Thanks.

[@HOPEUSMAXIMUS]

Love your videos. even though searching in the mud your videos comes across as so gentle, pure and clear. I'm a KZbin metal detectorist friend living in Dorset and a friend of Tobias. ATB Keith, Hopeus Maximus.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you!

[@lordleonusa]

So many stories, so many people, so many ghosts behind what you find in that river!

[@sharonliberatore9056]

Hi Nicola! I came across your videos accidentally and am now binge watching them! I live in Texas and when I was younger I use to dig for arrowheads along the Blanco river. I know the thrill of finding treasure and would love to go mudlarking! On one of your videos you showed different bricks. You could maybe bring 1 brick home each time you go out and make a beautiful garden path. Just a thought. Love your channel!