The Brick-Making King of Kent

Come #mudlarking with me on the historic, mysterious, tidal River Thames in London. I'm a licensed River Thames London Mudlark, and a member of the Society of Thames Mudlarks and Antiquarians. Searching the River Thames at low tide, I'll show you evidence of the way people lived and enjoyed themselves in London.
Ahoy-hoy mudlarking friends, welcome to another instalment with me, Old Father Thames, down on the River Thames foreshore in London.
We've got a mixed bag of goodies today, some pottery bits, medieval buckle, incomplete post-med buckle (the curse continues) and a load of other lovely stuff.
Story of today is the Brick-making Legend of Kent, George Smeed. I do a deep dive on his background, brickworks, fortune and where it's at today, in a rags to riches story that'll warm your cockles.
Without further ado, strap on your virtual kneepads, grab your virtual archaeologists' trowel, and come mudlarking with me at low tide in London.
⚠️ 🚨 You must have a valid PLA permit to search the River Thames foreshore. Permits are obtainable from the Port of London Authority, although a waiting list may apply. 🚨 ⚠️
If you like my videos, and would like them even more without ads, please do check out my Patreon site. Weekly uploads and access to my ongoing written series, The Tide Traveller's Guide.
#mudlarking #london #thamesmudlarking

[@bevharrison8157]

Thanks so much for the brick history. My late husband worked for wienerberger , this video filled a few gaps for me in the history of London stock bricks . I like you are always fascinated by old bricks .he was passionate about his job , i learnt so much about the humble brick from him and still point out different bricks to family .so thank you . Thank you ,

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

Hi Bev! That's so lovely to hear. I am just learning really how many other people love bricks and find them interesting too! It's great. Love that your late husband worked with bricks and shared the knowledge. Cheers to him and thank you for sharing with me!

[@deedorothypapineau6920]

I was hoping you would show the coral cleaned up. Beautiful sun.

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

I need to let it dry out and - possibly - put it through a cleaning process. I can update you for sure once it's ready!

[@iansuehooper7542]

Another enjoyable and interesting lark - the chat about the that brick factory was wonderful. The background music is superb and complements your very pleasant commentary. A great channel to chill out.

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

Thank you! Glad you like the brick lads. The music is by John Moore. Original compositions. So glad you're enjoying my channel!

[@tessacoulson6854]

Thanks again great informative video as always Marie. Really enjoyed seeing this about the Kent Brickworks of which there used to be many so iv learnt.

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

Thank you Tessa! Always appreciate your kind comments. x

[@lovelyskull3483]

Marie I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your videos and shorts. Sincere Thank you.

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

Thank you as ever Skully, I appreciate you!

[@charlesperez9976]

My favorite image from the Sittingbourne brickworks segment is at 12:22, showing workers with posters of beautiful women hanging up all over the place! That must have been considered quite racy at that time!!

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

Haha! Yes, me too! I was wondering if anyone would notice - I did it quite deliberately!

[@kennethstickney8819]

I too was struck with brick fever. While mudlarking near the site of the Caldwell Rum factory in Newburyport Massachusetts years ago I found half a brick that someone had inscribed his first name and 1776! All that winter I turned over hundreds of bricks looking for the other half to no avail. I had quite a brick collection before I came to my senses....

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

Oh my!! That's a dream brick! I'd love to see it... Haha "come to your senses" well, I think there is nothing wrong with having a large brick collection that is no use to man nor beast 😂

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Marie, lovely video. That brain coral is awesome, we are not allowed to pick it up at the beach in Florida anymore (trying to save the reefs)

[@annettefournier9655]

I'm curious; how does not picking up broken and dead coral washed up on the beach save the reefs? I can see not knocking off live bits of coral from reefs but the dead little bits?

[@bonnerdebbie]

@@annettefournier9655 The lawmakers and protection groups figure if they make it all illegal that people WILL stop breaking off pieces of the reef. I agree it is stupid. We are also not allowed to pick up or have feathers from birds that are protected or any bone, shell piece or anything else that came from a sea turtle, dolphin or whale. (In case you want to kill to get it)You are also not allowed to take any shell with a living creature inside, which I do agree with.

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

We have a restriction here (I can't remember the acronym of the organisation or indeed the organisation 😂) that restricts us from exhibiting coral

[@merahertel6256]

Loved the little pipes and the token & buckle today Marie. Was that drip pan fragment for a stove, a pot, a roasting rack... do you know? Thanks! Very much enjoyed this episode.

[@OLDFATHERTHAMES]

The drip pan, I think for a roasting rack? Although I should say that I'm not 100% on my ID there...it is the closest likeness to another vessel that both Richard Hemery and I thought about.

[@merahertel6256]

@OLDFATHERTHAMES thanks so much! Great find!