Why do I find so many BLIMMING CLAY PIPES on the Thames Foreshore? MUDLARKING with Nicola White

[@leeklassy1012]

As a kid I use to spend summer vacations in the historic gold rush towns of Northern California. During one of my trips I found a clay pipe stem that read Scotland on one side and McDou.... on the other. I would learn later it was made by the McDougall Co. out of Scotland. That launched my love of clay pipes. 50 years later that stem is still the pride of my humble collection.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

yes amazing. When i was in CA recently I found exactly the same and plan to do a video on it eventually! he supplied pipes to the USA for a long while didn't he!

[@leeklassy1012]

nicola that would be very interesting. I have been trying to learn about the distribution here in the US along with our own home grown pipes so to speak. There is a lot of literature if you can get to it which is my biggest problem.

[@e.urbach7780]

@@leeklassy1012 Look in the California Digital Newspaper Collection; it's a collection of digital scans of all of the newspapers published in California since the first one, which was out of Monterey (if I remember correctly) in 1846. All kinds of things were advertised for sale in those papers, and it is free to access. You might be able to find out when pipes were first offered for sale in California.

[@g4tinz706]

Lee Klassy 😂😂😂😂🖕🏻

[@leeklassy1012]

E. Urbach Thank you for your reply and I will check out this resource.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

There's not a lot to smile about these days -- but I smile when I see the email that you have posted a video, and I smile throughout the video, and you leave a smile in my heart long after the video has finished....

[@whitneylake2107]

There is a comforting quality to watching mudlarking. It is Zen - a soothing feeling amid the chaos of the rest of the world. It is creative nostalgia. It resurrects the past. Thanks

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

yes you are right. it is very calming. I am always in the moment on the foreshore

[@binsybadnews900]

Well said 💚

[@Sifinds]

Super video Nic! Loving the mad dash at the end for your bag!

[@marionbowler5440]

Oh Nicola what a lovely breath of fresh air you are, without my having to leave my place, with lock downs and everything, I can just imagine the sights and sounds of the Thames. Well done good lady, enjoyed Si to. 🇨🇦🐘😍

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Marion x

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Fine Video! Fine Wildlife! Fine Music! Fine Finds and Si Finds to boot! What could be better? Thank You Nicola! As we many do look forward to your videos and a great end or beginning of a week. Finding a pipe on the shores of the Thames that is 400-500 years old is truly amazing. As you often mention, you wonder who and what their lives were like. I do as well. My Maternal Grandfather was born in 1892 and growing up in a small town I live close to now in Pennsylvania, he knew an old man who's father fought in the Revolutionary War. My Grandfather passed in 1989 at 97 years old and had a sharp mind to the end. I am so very glad I listened and Loved his stories. Like his first ride in an automobile. When we think of 100-200 years we think it a long time. But truly, it is only a drop in the bucket. So I had family who talked to a man who's father fought in the Revolution in the 18th century. In this respect, it doesn't seem so long. When my Grandfather was 90 I asked him what it was like. He said the months seem like weeks and the weeks seem like days. How true! But it does mean that very soon you'll be back on the shores of the Thames! Love, Light, Peace, Health and Joy! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Wow what lovely stories Thank you x♥️

[@_Peremalfait]

I just wanted to say, apart from your content which is always fascinating, that I very much admire the editing of your videos. You always know when it's right to add music, or a slow motion shot, or a shot of the river or birds along the shore, and how to piece together your video in a way that tells an interesting story.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your comment. I have to visualise the video in my mind as a bit of a collage and then it seems to come together on its own in the right way - or at least - that's how I see the process.

[@hilltophomestead7262]

Thank you for allowing me to tag along on this adventure! I LOVE that you take time to include wildlife, kayakers, interesting buildings & boats as well. I have been very smugly informing my family members all I know about clay pipes mudlarked from the foreshore of the Thames (did I say all that right, lol??) SO much fun! London and the River Thames with its abundance of treasure seems like a fairy tale to me...but please keep the good stories coming! :-)

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Ha ha that's excellent!

[@lananieves4595]

The horse pipe bowl and Simon's intaglio are my fave finds of this video. So precious.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Lana! x

[@catcook3324]

It's interesting that the human experience prior to 1900 involved daily contact with the horse. In my 1870's English dictionary there are thousands of horse related words, having to do with breeds, coat color, mane styles as well as different types of leather harnesses. A beautiful animal whose presence for most is sorely missed.

[@ZeroDiscrimination]

Hi Nicola! Your videos are helping keep me sane during this lockdown. I felt as if I was there with you on the adventure. Absolutely love the horse pipe bowl! Love the crescent moon on there! Thanks for sharing and stay safe and healthy my friend. ~ Gypsy

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Gypsy! So looking forward to meeting up with you when this is over!! Love Nicola x

[@muffassa6739]

It's 2023 and I love watching your videos on KZbin. Good luck to you all from here in Michigan USA

[@jillylloyd3527]

You have made my day Nicola! Thrilled to see another of your videos - you are keeping us sane! Thank you x

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Jilly! love Nicola x

[@kristinawertman1140]

Thank You.😍 As always my favorites are the clay pipes. I really do enjoy your videos. The History lessons and your artwork. Again Thank You.😍 Be safe and take care.

[@bobdollar8746]

I can only imagine how excited you must be after finding a pipe that is hundreds of years old. I think it is sooo neat. Thank you for the video. Stay safe. Social Distancing is a must. Until the next video good bye from central Pennsylvania, USA.

[@Magdalena76h]

I think I have seen Si's version of this adventure already as I know I had seen his little gem of a find! It always excites me to see you gently tease a pipe bowl out of the mud, and even more so when it fits with some theme or idea you already had... It is lovely to remember that the River and all other places which provide so much enjoyment and education to Mudlarks across the UK are going to be waiting for us when the worst of this difficult time is over...

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Meredith! Yes, Simon put his version out a little while ago! x

[@ericball6000]

Nicola,thank you for keeping all of us SANE in these strange time's ,time now for a g-n-t,cheers.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

thanks Eric. That is a very good idea too! cheers x

[@susanhennes870]

Just love all your clay pipe bowls plus everything you find your amazing

[@pjday6195]

Thank you for these videos; gentle, relaxing and so full of interest.

[@donaldgbanhart7878]

Thank you for the smile on my face. Each and very time I watch your Videos

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Donald! Glad you enjoy them x

[@carolyoung3793]

Thank you for keeping us entertained during lock down love every pipe you’ve found and your pottery fish is amazing , stay safe and well xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Carol x

[@superbellabeau]

The pipes have a natural attraction to you Nicola! I love all your pipe finds! Stay safe and keep well 😊💗

[@desertrose2059]

Nicola, I always love your videos but I appreciate the ones where you and Simon are together. You have such good rapport with each other and it enriches the videos very much!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you. Yes, we do have a good laugh when we meet on the foreshore

[@james5460]

The world's premier Pipe Huntress! I'm sure I'd walk over them and never see them, but the Pipe Huntress spots them all! I think it is marvelous that you have found a kindred spirit who not only matches your finds but at times exceeds them, quite invigorating to have a fellow traveller on the River of Time.

[@antoniaparsons7457]

yay!! another mudlarking video, thank you so much. i hope you dont run out of footage. love these. glad to see you looking well.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Antonia! I've plenty of footage to keep us going!

[@britishreaction54]

That was fantastic. Thanks. As a child in the 70s I remember everyone smoking, and back then the smokers really did treat everywhere like an ashtray. I think it's utterly bizarre the hold that tobacco has had over the human race and for such a long time.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

That's addiction for you!

[@lorarichardson5941]

I never tire of watching you find pipes! Your videos are so soothing, and every pipe brings me joy.

[@caitlinhumpage5240]

I was so happy to see another of your videos I look forward to this time every week! Thank you for continuing to post on your channel, I hope the lockdown is lifted soon so you can get back to mudlarking again! x

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Caitlin! glad you're enjoying x

[@kerrypitt9789]

As I mentioned before Nicola, you are attracted to the energy left in pipes. Each thing we handle, we leave energy, not always the same and many of us find we are attracted by different energies in different things. I love it when you and Simon hook up on the foreshore. Both of you are attracted to different things, you make a good team. Nicola.......Goddess of the Pipes.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Kerry! X

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Nicola. Very therapeutic to hear the water and the crunch of small stones underfoot. Quite a haul of pipes that day. Horse and half moon is stunning. Gorgeous pottery fish. Interesting fish glue.😉💜

[@joealtmaier9271]

Love the "Fish Glue"! Brilliant!

[@paultrigger8492]

You really do put a smile on my face nicola I absolutely love watching you mudlarking and find it so interesting when you tell the history of the items found, the different pipes you find are fascinating I never realised how many different pipes and styles were made by makers , really would love to mudlark the Thames foreshore but sadly live to far away in Devon , keep posting your lovely adventures and with Si finds please Nicola x

[@stackingforfun9216]

Love that big crystal !! Prayers you stay safe and healthy .

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

thank you

[@tamitng]

That crystal looked like a giant Herkimer diamond. You can see the terminations at each end as well as the facets. Nice! 🍀

[@bettyclarke5150]

It's so nice to take a trip back to the Thames and forget all about our troubles for a little while. Thank you Nicola 😊

[@janetregan2382]

Love the fish, what a clever idea and you are tidying up the river!

[@juliet5114]

WOW, what a heart stopper when you realized your finds bag was left behind 😱😉. Never get tired of seeing you uncover a pipe... plain or decorated. Amazing 👍😍!! Love seeing you and Simon on each other's vlogs, you make a very interesting team🥰. 🕉️☮️🤗👋😘.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Juliet! x

[@nancycowan6109]

I love that you are taking time to care for us in our isolation and self-distancing. Your videos are soothing. Thanks for posting them. ❤️ I want to do what you do - make us all intrigued with your digging. Love,

[@hilariecalijo4643]

Thank you for your wonderful content. I’m in Northern California, this makes me feel as though I’m on vacation! 🥳

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Hilarie! So glad you're enjoying! I love Northern California by the way

[@hilariecalijo4643]

Thank you, it’s really nice here! One day would love to visit your neck of the woods! Sooo beautiful.

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks for another lovely mudlark on the Thames Foreshore. I sure enjoy watching you find pipes and other treasures. Stay safe.

[@lexieslarksandcrafts]

Hope you are staying safe and well Nicola. Thank you for the latest video. ❤️

[@Jamesandthehooligans]

No matter how many times I watch Nicola extracting a clay pipe I still always hold my breath as if to help the process somehow!? Thanks again for another great video 👍

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks for watching Gemma and for willing the clay pipes out of the mud! x

[@georgevanherpen8269]

great as always, pure entertainment, keep up this good work nicola

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks George!

[@terribryant9996]

I love how you incorporate the scenery and wildlife in your videos. Very nice.

[@dingbat2177]

Thank you! You've answered the question that has been on my mind ever since I discovered your channel late last year.

[@charlesperez9976]

That pipe from 1580 is AMAZING!!! Thank you for sharing your discoveries,it inspires me,with the tiny Nicola stories,and also the pursuit of history. For example,I now own 2 18th century cookbooks by Hannah Glasse and Mrs. Mary Eale! Receipts,are what they were called back then,rather then recipes. And you know what? They sound delicious! And I shall prepare some of these delicacies! With that said,always know this,Nicola. I adore you! ☺️

[@witchmojo13]

Your videos are such a bright spot every week. Thank you for them (and the giggle I had over 'fish glue!!). Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy week ahead/

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Gill!

[@Rubin_Schmidt]

Lovely, as usual, great photography. A good way to spend the time, on a dark Winter's night, or a compulsory "lock-up" is to get yourself a big cuttlefish bone, some scrap silver, a crucible & tongs, and a blowtorch. With a "cuttlefish casting" you can make pendents, earrings even little pipes. !!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Wow Rubin. That sounds fascinating. Can you do that and share a video with me. Make something. I'll feature it on a video. Could you make a little fish? Please!

[@Rubin_Schmidt]

@@nicolawhitemudlark I could make a lovely little fish with it's own unique scale pattern, if I had a cuttlefish bone. If I had the pet shops of London, at my feet, I could make you one tomorrow. I know you could make a better one than me, when you carve out, very gently, with a scalpel, brush out the debris with one of your many make-up brushes, until you are happy with the pattern. I posted the instructions yesterday so you should receive them, tomorrow. !!!

[@perrynio]

Yippeee - a Tideline Art video! It must be Sunday though I haven't heard the Priory bells ringing today. What on Earth's happening? Oh well, let's all concentrate on what's been pulled out go the Thames mud. I always worry that some disease will have somehow survived in encrusted spittle on a clay pipe that was thrown away in the time of the Black Death but I've been told I worry too much about things that will never happen. Stay safe and cheerful!

[@juanitaparks3032]

Your fish are very beautiful. I love that you find so many pipes! It's almost like they speak to you! Have a happy week. Thank you for sharing your finds. 🤗

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Juanita, you too x

[@denisebowker9753]

Thanks for keeping us all interested and entertained at this time of no mud stay safe

[@louisaziz1235]

Hello, Nicola... Simons intaglio, to me, looks to be a cobbler sitting on a stool and stitching a shoe. Thank you so much for being there. You help to brighten my day. Stay well.

[@jimchambers4961]

Thank you for taking us along. I admit that I watch and rewatch your videos. Always learn something with every video.👏👏

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Jim x

[@thebibletrain8297]

Another wonderful escape from reality for s short time. Thanks for taking us along 😁

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

my pleasure. thanks for coming along

[@thebibletrain8297]

nicola white mudlark - Tideline Art 😁

[@sandrawool5053]

I get so excited for you when you find a nice pipe and I can now usually identify the early ones.

[@deborahbryant7530]

WOW, what a wonderful day for finding clay pipes !!! I believe I counted 14 or 15 that you found that day Nicola !!! I l absolutely love the one with the horse 🐎 & moon 🌙 on it !!! Wonder what the big clear glass blob is you found? I thought 🤔 maybe a huge diamond 💎 but it's pretty !!! Good to see Simon there & the cute tiny item he found with a man sitting on the toilet 🚽 I still didn't know what it was but it had beautiful color !!! Enjoyed your adventure very much !!! ❤️🙂

[@johngoodall7097]

Nice one Nicola, it does help that you have all this extra footage to show us. I had not realized that clay pipes were only smoked briefly, and we thought this was the throwaway age now!!! You certainly have amassed an amazing amount of info on all things from the mud, and it`s good that you are learning so much history from your finds and also your friends knowledge too. I hope you stay free of the Virus, as it looks like it`s going to be some time before we are free of this scourge. Looking forward to your next offering.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks John!

[@susancollier1791]

Thank you Nicola, stay safe as well! Blessings to you from Roseburg, Oregon USA.

[@caahacky]

Thanks Nicola - fascinated to watch the fish come together.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

All that I have to say is -- you are looking fantastic! Thank you for continuing to find things to share with us out here -- all "together" in our lockdown!!!

[@starwonder54]

Nicola, thanks so much to you, Simon, Chill Bill, Tom Burleigh, the Johnsons, and all the other intrepid explorers who are going to such great lengths to keep us informed and entertained...It means a lot and keeps us both engaged and entertained!

[@TildaFabian]

I can’t get over that intaglio, it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen

[@mmme9671]

I always watch to see what you find and I love every clay pipe you dig out. Before you, I had never heard of clay pipes or seen any... to me all this is very entertaining and educative... but mostly so much fun to watch! Thank you Nicola for the distraction and fun time. Hi Si... love watching your videos too!!! I just thought of something, maybe you could put a pipe and, a short history of it, in a shadow box and sell them on ebay. It would be such a cool historical object to own! Great conversation piece.

[@moonstone8255]

You are the queen of pipes I dont see any other find pipes like you!

[@conitorres9774]

How the heck did you manage to see that pipe under the rock? You are the ultimate Pipe Queen. Wonderful. That crystal egg is just lovely. Great to see Si-Fi, but now we can no longer say- put it where the sun don’t shine- Si’s intaglio has the sun shining exactly there, lol

[@sekhmetsaes]

Lots of love back to you, Ms. Nic! Glad to hear you are well. I adore that horse & moon pipe, lovely find! well done!

[@PublicGlassWorksKansasCity]

I do love the pipes! Last week on “Outlander” Claire intubates Roger using a pipe stem. I am pretty sure I would not have caught that if I was not such a mudlarking fan. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful fish!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Sara

[@Artist6135]

Sara LaGrand Yeah! I saw that! Genius!!!

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Interesting you show the Dome. That used to be a gas works. Bet when they were prepping the site Viccy bottles etc were found ? Used to live in Iver next door to Slough Arm/GUC. Moved north 72. Not been to London since 82, so've missed all its rebuilding. Revisited SA/GUC back in 03 to show a pal but, blimey, it'd been hammered! The Thames - Londons ashtray!! To think, as you find those first pipes, jets flying overhead, pipes deposited couple hundred years before flight even thought of.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Yes amazing!

[@sueq6]

The big glass blob..stopper...is fabulous x

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

I know it's quite magical isn't it.

[@MrVxrman]

Hi Nicola, It great to see your latest video. Many thanks for all you do for us. All the best 🙂🥂👍🏻

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

my pleasure, and thank you!

[@Carolbearce]

Thank you for posting. Love the pipes you find!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! just as well you love pipes! x

[@jofayewalker7950]

Lovely pottery fish, Nic. You are a very talented artist. Thanks for the encouragement. It's a scary and boring thing.

[@snoozydiddeh2364]

Thank you Nicola! Really enjoyed this clip and watching you make your lovely fish !

[@pamcolechadwell1302]

I'm so glad you have saved videos so you can put them together for us. I love your fishy oh and that big crystal. stay safe and well.

[@darrenhaynes865]

lovely to see you looking well.a great vid that gives us all a bit of escapism in these times thanks Nicola and keep safe..Daz...

[@ShotofWry]

Another wonderful lark! Love the pipes, as always. I collect feather-edge pearlware fragments too. My daughter uses them in some of her crafts. Stay well!

[@cynthiaswearingen1037]

So fascinating, both to watch you crafting the beautiful fish, and the clay pipes! I so enjoy your videos, Nic. Take care!😊💖

[@luana1600]

Congrats on 80,000 subscribers!! 😊💚💃

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you Luana! Yes, I can't believe it!! xx

[@judyhobday4760]

I love how you go into the mud and find so many interesting items. The ones I am most excited about are the pieces of pottery with pictures. The pieces might only be a small bit but each has a history. The clay pipes are also interesting, and old buttons and coins, but the pottery stands out as my favorite. Thank you and stay safe.

[@corkey610]

HI- Nicola , you are just a magnet for finding clay pipes. love the ones you found already ,

[@denisedemetroff2881]

Cool fish !! And I love the "fish glue" label !!! Top secret part of collages !!!!!

[@bethfillingim7610]

I loved the education of the pipe bowls.... What did you find out about the big crystal...I lost a bit of connection and didn't know if I had missed updates about it...it was an incredible find. I do love your fish made of the feathered pattern...you are so very talented.. Lastly I would like to thank you for the time you spend on sharing your hobby and talent with the world... I have traveled many places in the world as a chaperone for high school kids, but never did we go to London. The one place I would have wanted to travel to. Through you , I get to do just that... Site see , explore the Thames and learn history...again thank you so very much for sharing not only your country but also a part of yourself. Sincerely, LixBeth Tennessee, USA

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you LixBeth x

[@leaellis2198]

Why on earth would anyone give this a thumbs down? nicola you are a breath of fresh air sweet.xx

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Lea!

[@maryroraff1822]

Loved watching your fish come together. Thanks for the video; I'm smiling...

[@constancebraun2251]

I have just "discovered" this videos and I am hooked. I would love to be able to find some of these wonderful things you find. I love your river glass fish!

[@jell-oputin8036]

Dude that fish you made is wicked! Cool video as usual Nicola😷🤘🏽

[@robedmund9948]

Thank you so much for explaining your discovery of so many pipes. Such a cool way to trace History.

[@jessjulian9458]

And I am sending you lots of love from the USA.

[@anitacarey2389]

Brilliant Nic, and I actually have a whole blue feather-ware plate which I shall give you when we next meet up. (Mum xx)

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Oh excellent Mum! Thank you 😘

[@Artist6135]

Yay!! My 👍🏼 put you at 2.1K 👍🏼!!! Love your videos!!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! X

[@annettewalter2273]

I enjoy seeing the pipes that you find. The history behind them would be fascinating.

[@jeriannroberts1816]

Fun to watch your mind puzzling out the form of your fish. Blessings

[@jackiebeans2689]

Love your fish! Fascinating to watch you create! Thanks!💕💕

[@catherinefall2696]

Hi Nicola, finding a clay pipe on the foreshore of the River Thames has been on my bucket list for a few years now, and one day when this nightmare is over I might even see you there. Thanks for another great video and the information on pipes. Cheers from Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺

[@TheElZhy]

dear Nicola, thank you for sharing the magic of a fishbirth!

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

ah thank you for watching it. x

[@LLLL-ld5wh]

Congratulations for reaching 80,000 subscribers Nic. 😊😊😊 Throughly enjoyed today's video. Thank you.

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thank you! Yes, Im amazed. I never ever imagined I would get here!

[@moomoosnmummy]

Absolutely wonderful, thank you. As you announced we were going to have a test, a gasp of joy escaped- my partner laughed as you said only joking, then had the sense to look shame faced and has gone to make me a cup of tea 😁 wishing you and yours health and happiness 🤞stay safe x

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

ha ha Samantha. Maybe I should do a test :) Enjoy your cup of tea. Nicola x

[@richardwarnock2789]

Very nice lockdown mudlarking with Simon !!!; )

[@sherryseagraves270]

Nicola, someone may already have made this observation and I did not see it, but I think the little clay pipe lady was bent as she was mudlarking! Your special gift from the Thames!

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

Ive never left my collecting bag ever. No matter what Im collecting. You are lucky to find so many pipe bowls.

[@Klesh]

Those pipes are so interesting thanks!

[@tarncoleman7854]

I love the banter between you and Si 😂😂😂😂😂l hope you and your children are well thanks for the great video

[@nicolawhitemudlark]

Thanks Tarn!