Mudlarking the Thames - A Centuries old Stoneware Flagon emerges from the Mud with a Story to Tell

A Stoneware flagon dating back to 1831 has laid silently and motionless in the dark Thames mud for well over a century. Little did I know what I would learn from it. I honestly believe that sometimes you find an object when the time is right to discover and share its story. This flagon used to be on the shelves of a Grocer in Greenwich, which is in South East London. Watch the video to find out how a grocer moved to Greenwich in 1831 to improve his family's chance of being successful.
I used several different sites whilst researching this flagon and they can be found here:-
telsoc.org/journal/ajtde-v6-n...
Behind the Legend - The Many Worlds of Charles Todd - by Denis Cryle
www.google.co.uk/books/editio...
Also thanks to Alice Thomson @aliceTTimes who is the great grand daughter of Charles Todd
If you are tempted to try mudlarking you need to have a permit from the Port of London Authority. You can find the information here:-
www.pla.co.uk/Environment/Tha...
Thank you for watching. You can follow me on twitter and instagram for more finds from the River Thames - @nicolawhitemudlark
Nicola White
www.tidelineart.com
December 2021

[@GMN360]

What a wonderful find of G Todd’s flagon that led to that history. I am Australian, have been the Alice - Alice Springs. Interesting to learn that the town was named after his wife Alice. The River Todd which runs through the centre of Alice and rarely flows, would be named after him. This is so exciting to learn so much more about that very important Mr Todd who did so much in the development of Australia His father who wanted so much more for his children certainly achieved his ambition! Thank you!

[@williamavery9185]

Love it, thanks.

[@MsChez2010]

Ah, you beat me to it. I was going to tell Nicola about the Todd River too. I’m a South Australian so this is so close to home. It’s a small world after all.

[@vicnurse5]

Hi G MN yes I live in S.A. and lived in Alice for some time. What a great find Nicola made and was so interesting to see her research. I was lucky enough to see the Todd in flood 3 times whilst I lived there and even had to drive through it in a huge 4WD when I worked for the govt there. Luckily it was very equipped to deal with the river as I had never driven thru a flooded river before...was a bit scared but it worked out well, What a sight to see it was. Cheers to you.

[@stephanieyee9784]

Yes the Todd River is named for Sir Charles Todd.

[@GMN360]

@@vicnurse5 what a great experience for you and one that will never be forgotten. And to see the Todd flow three times is history making. I was there a week before Prince Charles and Diana were visiting the Alice in 1983.. We had gone off for a camel ride along the Todd snd dinner at the winery. A perfect memorable visit. It was hard to believe the next week the Todd was flooded and caused the havoc it did! For my sins I am a West Australian with many connections to SA including an ancestor, the explorer William Darton Kekwick. (For further sins I now live in London). Amazing all o this discussion through the finding of a broken flagon in The Thames! Many thanks to Mudlark.

[@okiefamily9244]

Hi Nicola! I’m from central Oklahoma and I’m a Choctaw Nation Indian. I noticed in the video you made an extra effort to call us Native Americans. That’s so awesome and I really personally appreciate it so much, but at the same time you totally don’t have to. As a proud soldier of the 5 Nations Tribe and enthusiast of your videos it’s totally cool if you say Indian instead of Native American is all I’m saying. Your videos are some of the very best on KZbin and my sons and I love watching all of them and seeing your amazing finds!!! Thank you so so much for the loving kindness and respect from across the pond!!!

[@souloftheteacher9427]

Thanks--that input is always so great. Here we are, working to unearth and understand our collective history, and sometimes it feels like we're all bungling around in the dark crashing into each other and saying "Oh...sorry, what I meant was..." It really helps to hear, from a variety of us, what we'd like to be called. I mean, "human" is good but sometimes more detail helps us keep our feet out of our mouths. ;)

[@chubbrock659]

I have so much respect for Indians and their culture and traditions. I live in the Rocky Mountains/southwest and we have some amazing Tribal history out here.

[@lorimiller3375]

Thank you my Brother.. Sending positive energy blessings and prayers for you and your family.. LOVE & LIGHT from Pittsburgh PA.Blessed be..💛🖤 (MawDuKeStheGoOdGreEnWiTcH🌏🌬️🔥🌊)

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! I really appreciate your explanation here - it's so helpful. and I'm so glad you enjoy the videos. ❤️

[@meichong8278]

OKIE FAMILY I hope you don't mind my question which I ask in good faith if not hugely confused by today's censoring and redefining world . We see many diktats from the left of how we should address people and what's acceptable use of names or images all on behalf of the supposedly powerless and voiceless and with their encouragement. You seem to have dispelled the myth that calling someone an Indian is the gravest of crimes so could I also ask is it pressure from your community's that for instance a football team ( The Chiefs or The Braves for example) must rename as to not rename is disrespectful ? I ask only to try and make sense of a crazy world where I personally think these are more for political gain and to secure votes HOWEVER I'm prepared to be wrong if actually informed by someone directly affected .I hope this comment doesn't offend you .

[@MJMucha]

I lay in bed today, once again feeling poorly from chemotherapy and saw you posted a new video. I immediately perked up and lost myself in your video. I immagined myself with you, feeling the breeze on my face, the coolness of the water, the scent of the mud & algae (which I imagine can be quite pungent at times!) and the sound of the birds & water lapping on the shore. My excitement increases with each find and by the end of the video, I find that I feel a great deal better and I have forgotten, at least for a while, my illness. Your videos are a work of art in themselves and transport those of us watching into your world of wonderment. Thank you for welcoming us into your life! I am forever grateful! xoxo p.s.: How dare you tease us with that ring?!?😂

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Ah thank you M. I am so glad that you enjoy the videos. It makes me very happy that you feel part of them. Sending you lots of love. Nicola xx

[@pillardelaney4726]

M.J. Mulcha. Hope the chemotherapy work and your don't have to use ever again, to late for me. I'm 80 years old, becouse of my age nothing can be down, so the big C on the lungs win. Everytime , Nicola, puts a video , I remember London like it was before, that was a place full of memories. Take care, and you will experience the fill of the wind going through yor face. From : Queensland. All the best.

[@ValerieDee123]

I'm praying for both of you. My Mom just finished Chemo this past Thursday. This is her third go round with the big C. She whooped it's a&$ again. She is 80. Sending prayers from America. God bless and heal you both!

[@lorrainemiale467]

Prayers🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@thurin84]

good luck with the chemo. and i hope you feel better soon. i have no doubt you will kick the cancers butt and show it whos boss in due time. until then positive vibes on the way!

[@artieash6671]

I'm 70 and hope to be watching these when I'm 90. I hope you won't tire of mudlarking or posting. This is the most restful experience on the web. Just looking and finding and telling. Doesn't need another thing. Thank you.

[@FindsByPirjo]

I do hope it's a diamond ring, every pipe queen needs one. The story behind the flagon was great. Congratulations to all the lucky winners! Happy 2. Advent!

[@dr_steve]

Nicola: So appreciated the back story of Griffith Todd and his son, Charles. I am constantly amazed by what you can learn from just a fragment. Another beautifully edited and produced video, Nic! Congratulations to all the winners in today's video!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Steve. I really appreciate your support xx

[@irenelibener8361]

As Ivor Cutler sais: "don't kick a grocer on the leg. If you do kick a grocer on the leg, be sure it's not a grim grocer"

[@VadoVoodoo]

That's (Part of) an 'Engaged' 'Vacant ' slide commonly used in the locking mechanism on public toilets. (Where the term 'spend a penny' comes from, ) they often incorporated a coin-box and lever lock. Places like British Rail used them right up to the eighties. There would be an enamel plate revealed by the elongated port that had the 'engaged/vacant' message revealed by whether the lock was open or paid for and locked.

[@wildlifeathome]

I'm the guy who thinks there should be a mudlark museum. Sadly, I'm 5000 miles away and don't know what I could even do to help other than spreading my idea around, I have no funds, just ideas. Thanks to everyone who doesn't let the stories of the regular people go un-noticed, and a bigger thanks to you, Nicola. You really go the extra mile to bring us some great stories. Having worked at grocery stores all my life, until pain got in the way, all I can hope is that I made some shopping more enjoyable than most in a small town where I knew most everyone and I would mess with them constantly to get them to smile or laugh. I guess all I'm getting at, is there are so many people behind the scenes trying their best to make someone else happy (strangers) and so many people that these few folks get lost in time. Thank you is probably one phrase that can never be said enough, but, thank you, you would be surprised what a mood lifter your videos are.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you for your lovely comment. And thank you for helping to spread some cheer and kindness which I'm sure does not go unnoticed. And I'm so pleased you enjoy the videos Nicola xx

[@maureenfitzgerald1895]

It seems the most optimistic to believe the stone is in fact, a diamond. Why not? Either way, it’s a sparkly Thames find. 🥰

[@paulkinzer7661]

I so loved the Todd Family story! I'm an amateur astronomer, a lover of Australia, and one of my favorite novels is 'A Town Called Alice'. What you said about the (very lovely!) light blue sauce bottle possibly being available in the Todd grocery really struck me. 'It could have been' indeed. We are all connected, and that's a good thing, a truly wonderful thing!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Paul. Yes, you are absolutely right.

[@obroberts6533]

Ahh yes, Nevil Shute, one of my favorite author's, and "A Town called Alice" one of my favorite also, if you haven't read "Trustee from the Toolroom", give it a try, I really enjoyed it. From Alaska, USA have a great day.

[@paulkinzer7661]

@@obroberts6533 Oh, boy, 'Trustee from the Toolroom' is one of my favorite books! I've read everything Shute wrote, and another I particular like is 'Pastoral'.

[@juliegale3863]

Love watching your videos as it make my 86 year old brain work, one to see the find before you say anything, and two, wrack my brain to say what it is. Got the Private right away. Stuck in what seems like a perpetual lock down because of rheumatoid arthritis you and people like you are a window on the world for me. Many thanks.

[@bettymolloy1819]

Very interesting Todd history.. understand the origin of the English name for the Todd river in Alice Springs and it’s tributary Charles River. They have a very funny Henley on Todd regatta in the dry river annually.

[@susantaylor4340]

As always, thanks for spending your day with us!

[@suepage4364]

I think the mystery object is from the front of a scale or gauge. Love the misty video. Wish we were there!

[@debsmclaughlin6521]

Yes that's what I thought too.☺

[@alanreid3063]

I agree, it looks a quality piece in as much its a cam with a balancer part on top

[@peckerwood6078]

What can I say! Nicola you are the embodiment of my fascination with the articles of the past. Even your name evokes the Past Future lost in the channel when the White ship went down with all hands, drowning an England that could have been but never would be. All those touchstones you elucidate makes those lives sparkle again for a scintilla of time. Makes me mindful of the scene from Oliver Twist when all Fagans treasures sink into the mud while he attempts his escape. The Silver of the court of James I/IVth sinking in the sands of the estuary, lost but not forgotten and maybe yet to be sluiced up from it's watery grave. You're a genie in a bottle waiting to be uncorked like your flagon of Todd. Cheers!! Lee

[@jackieokcal4888]

Hello from Adelaide South Australia! It's a real treat getting a mention!

[@susantaylor4340]

It looks like a swing cover for a lock. Like a key hole cover.

[@andygoldensixties4201]

it looks a balance wheel bridge of an old clock, but I see no roller juwels, so, I don't swear it is

[@ValerieDee123]

@@andygoldensixties4201 I had thought the same thing.

[@annihilist]

Or maybe for a small vent of some kind, as suggested by that little flap on the the other end of the handle.

[@christinegreywolf]

I am going to guess that the ring is not a diamond only because of the setting. The fact it has heart design on the sides and made from silver makes me think it is more of a sweetheart style ring and those generally use other stones or minerals instead of a diamond. It is still an awesome find! I am always surprised how you find these tiny items.

[@brendaseverance5174]

Most definitely, I believe the lovely ring is a diamond simply because the setting is a very nice setting. The ring has been in the Thames for many years, and the stone is still very secure within the prongs. Fingers crossed 🤞. Thank you for sharing your mudlark adventures with your utube friends.

[@debs7999]

Hello. Just watched your video. I was born and raised in South Australia so I was thrilled to learn about Sir Charles Todd. I had no idea where the name ‘Alice Springs’ originated either. Absolutely fascinating that a broken flagon found by a river in 2021 can tell such an incredible story about man whose life made such a difference in Australia going back almost 200 years ago. Synchronicity at its finest. Loved your video

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Deb!

[@toorusty2]

Absolutely amazing story on the Griffith Todd find. Being an Australian I had always wondered about the name of Alice Springs. Knowing what you have researched, and the fact that the River Todd, whose river bed runs through the middle of the town, the information now falls into place. I never get tired of watching your feeds as they are always entertaining and educational.

[@oitsamy]

I wonder if Mr. Todd's flagon ended up in the river as a result of the flood? It's so interesting to me that all the Thames treasures speak to the people and culture of a particular time in history, but also usually represent a specific moment in time for a particular person. Thanks for sharing them all with us Nicola!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Amy

[@patwithers1448]

Love from the old lady in Texas USA may God bless you always and forever

[@statlergilfillen8052]

again and again you main one of te most creative and scholarship of any postings founf anywhere on internet

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! That's so kind of you to say xx

[@amandabell8827]

Brilliant video Nicola! Love all the history you found from the flagon. A grocers daughter in law had a town named after her! that's big stuff back in the day apart from her husbands achievements! Good for them. Well done to all the winners, I'm not at all envious 😁 x

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Amanda! xox

[@stephanieyee9784]

Nicola, your old flagon has such a wonderful story attached to it. I'm so glad you found it and researched G. Todd's history because you've shined a light on a very accomplished man who has become a part of Australian history. Mr G. Todd and his wife certainly did the right thing by their children by focusing on Education as a way to move on and up in life. PS: I Love your necklace! ☮❤🦘🇦🇺

[@normplatt7549]

VERY WELL DONE! Queen of the mudlarks does it again!

Odd Todd's joke kicked in instantly. Happy hunting!

[@v_jall_things1324]

I love watching your videos. I wonder whether the Family Club pin was from the Welwyn One World Family Club? Apparently it was formed in 1967 and is an international family club with members from over 40 nationalities ... Thanks again for all your videos. I'm learning so much from all your finds too 🙂

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. I shall look into that

[@TezzaSonoftherich]

@@nicolawhitemudlark Royal Over Seas league - "The Family Club"

[@annettewalter2273]

I’m Australian, South Australian to be exact and we owe so much to Charles Todd. Alice Springs is about half way along the telegraph line established by Charles Ross, it’s way out in the middle of nowhere in the desert.

[@boristherock8279]

My family simultaneously laughed aloud when you read the writing on the cheese knife ...comic timing in the muck

[@melaniehopkins7541]

Hi from Washington State. Thanks for taking us along on a fun and informative lark.

[@detectinghistoricalontario9664]

The one mystery item could be a handle for a old roll up tape measure. Blessings

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Wonderful intro...almost expect to see Holmes and Watson mudlarking with you. Lol...I watched several Boney M videos last night...coincidence!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

ha ha thank you - you noticed :)

[@h.a3567]

Amazing story from one broken jug!! Wow wow!!! Facinating!! Thankyou for posting this really interesting 👏👏👍👍

[@charlesperez9976]

Congrats to the winners of the giveaway,very generous of you to do that! I have a story about something that Charles Todd would have certainly had to deal with in the first days of Australian telegraph. Once those first telegraph lines were laid(on poles), something odd began to happen. Occasionally,the lines went dead! The maintenance crew would come back with reports that some of the telegraph poles were cut down for some reason! Hostile rancher? Seemed unlikely. After very many incidents,it was discovered that,in fact,the Aborigional people realized that the porcelain insulators on the telegraph wires made for the most incredible spear tips,as they were easy to flint chip into virtually permanently razor sharp spear points! (Porcelain is remarkably hard) The telegraph men asked them to stop,but they didn’t. Cross country telegraph service became crippled by this. The solution? The company simply left a carton of porcelain insulators at the base of every few poles,for the tribespeople to take out of! No more cut down poles! I love this story,and have one of those insulators in my collection.

[@inkydoug]

Good to hear a story of the Aborigines being treated in an enlightened way for once, although it seems it was sadly exceptional.

[@dalem1140]

Such a fascinating story. The story behind the finds is as exciting as the find itself. Great Vid 👌

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Dale!

[@lorimiller3375]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS! LOVE & LIGHT from PGH PA.. Blessed be..

[@louiscecere5636]

The etching on the spoon handle looks like a ⭐

[@ashbell6712]

Yea! A nic vid. What a treat after the wk I've had. Thanks xx

[@user-vc9zr1wp3z]

Now, it is most probably just my imagination, but the mystery object looks like a part of the old mechanical coffee/spice grinder my mom had, when I was a child. One side looks like the part, where you add the handle and the other (that looks like a quarter propeller) looks like the grinder’s knife.

[@lisacassells3828]

How lovely to see you again!!!

[@johngoodall7097]

Nicola somehow I didn’t get a notification from KZbin to say you had posted on Sunday which I thought was odd, however looked you up in my favourites and hey presto there you were, a varied haul of objects. The broken flagon or bottle revealed a lot didn’t it? A grocer and a famous astronomer and a telegraph pioneer. I could be wrong but when you extracted the Belgian coin one side appeared to have the medical sign with snakes coiled around. Liked the start with the birds in the mist I like your natural history pics. So until the next posting stay safe and heathy and watch out for storms🥰🥰🥰🥰👍👍👍

[@Tealtra]

Enjoyed the lark. Thank you.

[@garyslogan]

Beautiful video! Love the 'Without tea (T) I'd be odd" humor! On the spoon, wouldn't the marking of VR under a crown indicate Queen (or the reign of) Victoria? The star design is sweet. Thanks for another relaxing Sunday's viewing!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Gary. Yes, absolutely on the marking on the spoon

[@johngarrott5933]

The star design looks a little crude. Maybe it was a way for someone to mark possession.

[@annettefindlay8076]

Looks very much like a real diamond ring!💍

[@giaatta9303]

Thank you dear Nicola. Have a wonderful week!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

you too Gianna!

[@susanpye9821]

The flagon was a great find but the history of the flagon was so interesting.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

yes, it really was.

[@geraldineross5168]

The swans and Canadian geese add to the beauty of the mist. It says, “our home our kingdom”. Both spoons may be silver because they are tarnished. I love how your finds leads to the past.

[@annemichellejohal3974]

wow the mist on the Thames reminded me of Charles Dickens's Novels.. especially when the bell rang out it's warning.. eerie...

[@bigtex4058]

Great fun treasure hunting with you without having to freeze to death.

[@tina_2252]

I absolutely love the history you share. I do wish there was a place here I could mudlark. I am fascinated by history. Thank you for sharing with the world 😊

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Tina. So glad you enjoy it! x

[@maarinabudd]

Fascinating storytelling as always Nicola, always lovely to find and unravel the mysteries and untold stories that the River Thames 'gifts' and leaves behind on the foreshore xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Maarina xx

[@MrLookitspam]

I’m always leaning toward a rock just near your finds. I love rocks!

[@neilfranklin5644]

Nice bottle,broken jug ,diamond ring, some history there.

[@dougalexander7204]

I believe, as others mentioned, that strange piece of metal is part of an old electronics switch. Great edutainment. You’re very good at your hobby.

[@Charstring]

I reckon the spoon handle around 34'41" was made by John Yates of Birmingham. He marked his products JO HN YA TE S with cartouches round the groups of letters (which looks a bit like a hallmark) and then VR and a crown. Was making pewter and electroplate in the 1850s.

[@tonifitz6831]

I would love love love to mudlark on the Thames . I looked into the cost of permits etc.. I live near Sheffield and I guess with the cost of living etc at the min it's not a possibility.. So Thankyou Nicola and other Mudlarkers for allowing us all to join you, on your journey through history... I only heard of mudlarking 3 months ago, I'm obsessed.. xx

[@FigaroHey]

Awww. ..! I was watching mostly to find out about the ring!!! Boo!!!

[@kennonbaird8656]

This was a fun hunt! Thanks.

[@northernflicker6590]

Love the stories that come with the finds! Always my favorite part. You actually found an artifact from my family legacy last year (faceplate for a Corbin lock) from New Britain, Connecticut on the Thames foreshore. Still wondering how it got there. Love what you do ❤️

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. xox

[@lynnrussell1630]

The old cutlery would make a nice wind chime!

[@loicmalakoff6728]

Une historienne hors pair,des objets oubliés incroyables. Une magnifique video nature et histoire👍👍😉😉

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Merci Loic! Et - est ce que Vous pensez que ce sera une bonne idee de faire un mudlarking video en Francais?

[@loicmalakoff6728]

@@nicolawhitemudlark oui, je serai ravi de voir vos connaissances. Bonne continuation à vous et à vos amis et continuez à nous régaler 😉😉

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

@@loicmalakoff6728 merci Loic. Je vais essayer de faire quelquechose!

[@clellasher7473]

The History, is so awesome. Seeing, knowing, about the items & the people is truly fantastic! Thank you for sharing your time & knowledge.👍

[@marionbowler5440]

Smashing Nicola, loved it. Congrats to all the winners, the stone looks like citrine to me, and the odd find looks like a lady's nylon holder from a girdle. Well done Nicola, loved it.🇨🇦🍁🐘🤗💙

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Marion x

[@stevewindermere7334]

Yes - I reckon that is a real diamond! You lucky lady!

[@fluffysgirl23]

Awesome! Could be a (very)distant relation, I got really excited when that Todd was shown. 😁

[@catepearce2138]

Good morning, very interesting mudlark as usual, you never fail to deliver Nic. Do you think the worcestershire sauce bottle could have gone into the river during the flood you mentioned that ruined Griffin Todds grocery business? Thank you for another dip into the history of the river Thames. take care and stay safe.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Your selected imagery of the swans with their reflections interacting with the water, and the fishing boat in the distance, along with sea shore sounds, all presented so exceptionally well! It is truly something special and could even be fun to pair with different segments of ethereal music. Thank you for recognizing something as it was occurring in nature that turned out to be some very special moments!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you very much ❤️

[@jacquecaeser9078]

Holy moly, I recognized that toy ! Wow. I surprised myself. Love your channel.

[@user-io4hp7oz5c]

Super ❤️ video!) My Big like!!!)

[@emmasimms5395]

Another great video Nicola and some awsome finds also love it when you capture the random wildlife in your videos. Take care now

[@LaurenAnyone]

Wow, looking at the census clip it’s crazy that Griffith’s wife Mary was only 15 years old when she had their first child 😬

[@divaden47]

Worth noting that the 1841 census tended to average peoples ages by 5 years, so she may have been actually closer to 20. However, girls could marry at 12, boys at 14 with the permission of a parent and 21 without permission.

[@X737_]

If she was welsh she’s have been 13 😂

[@brunorosa2227]

Just brilliant work, thank you.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you

[@slydoll7877]

Wonderful to hear about the success of Mr Todd's son....he would have loved that he never had to work behind a counter! I'm a Brit but have lived in Australia for 5 years now and in our "old" town, I've always admired the old Post Office where the telegraph used to be....all thanks to Charles!

[@jillmoorhouse8888]

Loved hearing about the Todd family and Charles's life in Australia, love history like this so much. Great video as always.

[@williamavery9185]

Have ever had any of the tobbaco analysed to determin its origin ? That would be very interesting.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

no but I hope to. I have kept all the tobacco in the bowls that I have found, hoping that one day they could be analysed

[@WhatSarahLikes1]

@@nicolawhitemudlark if all your subscribers gave a dollar you could afford to.

[@carolinewithers531]

@Nicky L It would be interesting to see if there is DNA present!

[@williamavery9185]

@@carolinewithers531 If so we will need his pyjama bottoms to get a match ?

[@carolinewithers531]

@@williamavery9185 You are aware that all living things have DNA....right?

[@deborahbryant7530]

Amazing video Nicola !!! That jar/jug is very beautiful !!! Like the lead toys. Very nice find of the clay pipe & I absolutely loved that blue 💙 bottle & that you had a beautiful glass bottle stopper that fit it !!! Coin & ring 💍 very nice. I think 🤔 it's not a diamond but a friendship ring. I hope you get lucky one day & find a diamond 💎 ring !!! Enjoyed your video very much !!! ❤️🙂

[@tammywhalen3297]

Nicola i just wanted to say that your a true Beauty inside and outside..i hope you have a Wonderful Christmas.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Tammy! You have a wonderful Christmas too ❤️

[@wildlifeathome]

Ahh, another trip to the river. It's hard to believe how many interesting things have been lost over the years. Have you ever thought of opening a mudlarks museum? People could show off the things they find and where they were found. I think that the fact that most finds are what the average person used or owned and not what is usually found in museums it would be of great interest to many others. Knowing how hard it would be for some people to give their finds to a museum, maybe an internet database could be an option. Maybe even a better option as more folks could benefit from the online database. The museum could be built from all the bricks that seem to be everywhere!😉 Thank you for the enjoyable visit to the river, good luck next visit! Beautiful Egyptian Geese as well, I'm just learning which birds you get to see that I don't. Nature is amazing in everything it does. Until next time...

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. Great idea

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

And so many of the bricks are Tudor - what an eclectic and wonderful building that would be!

[@wildlifeathome]

@@catherinerobilliard7662 I am kinda visioning an old building clad in those bricks so that anything inscribed on them could be visible and the bricks not needing to be structural. Wouldn't that look neat! Of course if it were ever made a reality, I would have to travel about 5000 miles to see it 😁 and maybe help collect some bricks! Have a great day!

[@alicial1239]

6:19 The words “Stainless Steel” were never said with more distain. Modern metals have a foe in Nic White!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

haha that is true!

[@aleta5873]

Lol !!

[@pollyg562]

the funny thing about stainless steel is people get it wrong even though its right there in the name stainLESS not stain-PROOF steel most people are shocked when stainless steel gets rust on it yet that's totally normal it stains-less than other metals but its definitely not rust proof

[@mallow173]

First thing...Nicola has hawk like vision! I do love when you say, can you see it....just down there....and all i see is rocks and green gunge river sludge. Then you pick some amazing find out of the mire....darn your eyesight is freaky! Oh and i do love the wildlife you always toss into the videos. Truly pleasurable viewing and hats off to you for such a quality product!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Mark!

[@mallow173]

@@nicolawhitemudlark No thank you!! what you do is such a blast to watch....amazing the stuff you find! It's on my bucket list for sure!

[@marcobadot57]

I absolutely love it when you say "I'll give it a little rub when I get back".... Oops, sorry!

[@sharimullinax3206]

The Todd flaggon has the most beautiful salt glaze. I love the almost irridescent shine. When did the Wild West shows get to England? Maybe they bought the Native American figure during that time.

[@constancemiller3753]

It was a lovely glaze and nice shape.

[@sharimullinax3206]

Probably no from the Wild West Show, then.

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show came in 1887.

[@stevemartin6144]

That spoon has a Queen's Crown and "VR" and therefore Victorian. The last item is an adjustment lever for speed from a wind-up device such as a clock, metronome or gramophone.

[@jennasanders4211]

I was thought the same queen victoria

[@carriecraiger3929]

Hello from the states! I am so addicted to this now. I’ve recently became on contact with family from England and will be making plans to come and do this.

[@luana1600]

I am so amazed at the G. Todd Greenwich Grocer jug! Touching history through The Thames. I just love it! Thank you for taking all of us with you Nicola. 💚

[@Thetimecapsuletx]

I think it is sterling and the stone may be a CZ since it isn’t scratched and worn. Only other clear stone that wouldn’t wear, would be a Diamond. If you can see through the edge of the stone, it isn’t a Diamond. The setting design seems to be from the 1980’s, but who knows? That would be my guess. Can’t wait to find out!

[@SeventhEve]

Yes, reminds me of settings I saw in the 90s. Highly unlikely to be a diamond in a silver ring.

[@janinemcmahon218]

The stone isn’t scratched, but it’s a little brownish. Can’t wait to find out! Setting does look recent.

[@jakebob6332]

Hi there, I just recently began watching your vids on here. I'm a metal detectorist at heart, been doing it for 25 years. But I am fascinated by what you do. Your enthusiasm is contagious and a delight to watch. I will definitely be watching more of your vids. Happy hunting.😃

[@whathappenedtomyYThandle]

9:55 as an example, I've always wondered why when you locate something missing a part, don't look deeper from where it was extracted? Maybe the head broke off and still in the muck and same goes for much else retrieved. Could be a missing corner, a stem with no bowl, even a part of a bowl.

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

Occasionally Nicola does look around but the PLA standard permit for the Thames foreshore doesn't allow digging deeper than 7.5 cm. Basically, if it's not on or near the surface, she has to leave it.

[@lindaopperthauser2284]

Oh your river edges are SO MUCH OLDER than mine. Love the mystery. So enjoy the videos you share!! And such a creative gal!! I too have water almost all the way around me, I am the great lake state. Michigan USA.

[@pierreforpm6886]

Charles Todd also worked on undersea cables in the 1850's before going to Australia. I thought of that tag you found saying 10 knots, 152 yards Hoopers and wondered if the jug from his father's grocery shop was liquid refreshment whilst on the job. Small world Wikipedia.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Awesome finds once again. I wonder if there are descendants of Griffith Todd in Australia.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

yes there must be I should think

[@Mudhooks]

The mystery item looks like it would have been a switch lever or toggle of some kind. Presumably, the part that you have in your fingers would be used to adjust something that was moved back and forth within the slot (that looks a bit like a bottle opener). I’m not sure what the flange attached to the top would do. Perhaps there were two of those and one broke off? Though it was hard to tell.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you xx

[@BillysMom]

I was thinking that piece might have been on some sort of indicator on a dial from a ships bridge.

[@papagaaiable]

@@BillysMom I think it could be an indicator for an old fashioned toilet door, these round signs saying: Free or in use.

[@thomasjenkins8585]

Looks like the end of a pair of suspenders to me.

[@johnmurrell3175]

I wonder if it is part of a lock ?

[@johnrogers2253]

I have been following you for a long time Nicola. I am an English man from Nympsfield orphanage you just bring tears to my eyes of my home. Lots of love from Nanango in Australia Qld.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Lots of love back John!

[@Zandain]

Love the broken jug and the history behind it...Alice Springs, the Todd and Charles Rivers Crossing fingers that George & Mary Todd knew how important their son had become in Australia, and that their hopes had born fruit 🤔 and what luck! Your bottle and stopper found each other! 😃 Congrats to all winners! 🎉 hello from frosty Denmark 🌸 ❄

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you xox

[@goodpeople5676]

Wishing you all a very happy Merry Christmas in advance. Congratulations to all the winners. Really enjoyed n learned from the lovely video. Awesome findings and information and facts n history about the findings are priceless. Enjoy . With Love from SAM Guwahati Assam INDIA 🙏❤

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Sam - Love from me xx

[@hetrodoxly1203]

Great video, love the research you do, did G. Todd have a relative call Sweeney, being 'In the family club' meant something completely different when i was young.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

No but he had a cousin called Bunny

[@zbigniew.8261]

Hi. 👍 Greetings from Wroclaw.

[@martinegrech3094]

Hi I’m from Malta, loved watching your post.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Martine!! ❤️