Mudlarking on the River Thames Reveals Intriguing Treasures Full of History and Mystery (April 2024)

День тому

In 1750 a dockyard worker dropped one of his belongings in the Thames mud. He was about to pick it up when someone called him over. By the time he went back to pick it up, the tide was coming in and it was lost in the Thames mud - where it stayed for almost 300 years. And then I found it! My favourite finds are those with names on and during this outing I was not disappointed. Come with me to see who I met on this mudlarking excursion along the River Thames in London.
Also you will meet Fran Sibthorpe on this video who as written a children's book about mudlarking called "Josh and Millee go Mudlarking". We're doing a giveaway so don't miss out. And if you'd like to buy a book, then you can find Fran on instagram @franjoy77. You can also email her at Fran-joy77@hotmail.com
Thank you as always for watching. Comments and feedback welcome. See you soon.
Lots of love, Nicola

КОМЕНТАРІ: 637

@vickinoeske1154 13 днів тому

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

@MsCripplex 12 днів тому

I try not to miss one of your adventures, I am severely physically disabled and can no longer go my self and enjoy what you finds and save for future generations. I will I could do this again but my wheelchair will not allow me to for it. Be safe and thank you!

@jackiedulson192 11 днів тому

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

@daveroberts4933 13 днів тому

Hi Nicola, as an amateur microscope fan, biological stains are used to dye different proteins in microscope specimens. Different proteins absorb the dye more than others, allowing you to see them much more clearly under the scope. Massively important in medical technology so Dr. Gruber would be a very important person.

@LeaC-lw8xl 13 днів тому

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

@beritschultz952 13 днів тому

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

@nicolawhitemudlark 13 днів тому

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

@Mudhooks 12 днів тому

The dog figure appears to have a very big doggie grin. Rather than menacing, I think he looks like he’s actually become very happy sitting in amongst your finds.

@donnasellers3122 13 днів тому

Fran is such a loving soul. Her heart and smile are so endearing. This video was another chance to experience history through your kind efforts. Thank you. #gomudlarking

@leslierumph7887 10 днів тому

always enjoy joy your vides! I don't have the physical ability to poke aroundrocky shore....but have a background in California prehistory archeology...lots of fish bones and obsidian chips. I am really, really intrested in the shops (which slod the pips) and if specific shope markedt pecific makers and styles. How did smokers choose between the range of decorations they like. Such options in your collections and how were pipes display and what were the styles available to smokers? Lots of shops on the whays and marketing to ships leving or...what does the choose say bout the smoker's choice Do you know what the "shops" were like?

@user-oh4ix8rp7d 10 днів тому

Thanks for the joke, Nicola. I can't wait to share it with my grandson. He's always telling me his, and now I have one to share with him ! #gomudlarking

@nicolawhitemudlark 10 днів тому

Hooray! 😂

@catherineanderson2127 6 днів тому

What I liked about this video is your warm and lovely self, Fran and her cool book, and the article about the stingy man who didn’t want to give his employee any damages for losing his eye at work.

@Thatsinteresting363 8 днів тому

The coal shovels would make the cutest garden art!

@Michelle-tk9jq 12 днів тому

Another lovely day amongst the bones and bricks Nicola! The Dr.’s biological stain bottle looks straight out of Alice in Wonderland 😊 Loved meeting Fran and seeing her lovely children’s book. Aren’t we all children at heart when we are Mudlarking?

@dr_steve 6 днів тому

While a few days late in watching and responding, I so enjoyed this video, Nicola! I had no-eye-deer you were a comedienne. And a jolly bad one at that! Haha. Thanks for all the back stories on your finds and congratulations to Fran on her new book! You were obviously the "It Girl" in Chicago. Glad you had a good time on your travels. #gomudlarking

@nicolawhitemudlark 6 днів тому

Thank you Steve ❤️ xx

@Danigys 11 днів тому

Hello, I was actually addicted to mudlarking videos because of you Nicola. Years ago in the beginning of your adventure with the mudlarking and the camera I was taken by you and river Thames. Thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us and best wishes to you Nicola from Airdrie, Canada. #gomudlarking

@vavrajj 13 днів тому

The style of the illustration in Fran's book is fantastic! I'm sure the story is great as well! And Nicola, it was so cool to meet you in Chicago. Thank you! #GoMudlarking

@PennyHays44 13 днів тому

I love the butterfly pin you were wearing. So beautiful against the black sweater. Always enjoy seeing Fran. Glad you had a nice time visiting America. Much love and good health.

@stewartevans9753 13 днів тому

Thanks for making me happy again Nicola! Great entertainment like always, just wanted to say Leipzig can also be pronounced Leipzich or for the locals leapsch! I've lived in Germany for thirty years now,you also had the names Gruber Hammam and Kino all very Germanic! Well done Fran for such a good kiddies book hope it gets promoted properly! Finally a real children's book! Over the moon thank you!😊

@whitneylake2107 13 днів тому

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

@moellerborn 11 днів тому

Greetings from Montana! Nice to find other Montanans watching Nicola! Wish we had a river Thames here to find such treasures, but then again it is also nice to have clean unpolluted waters in our state!

@user-lt9wj4ml7e 13 днів тому

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

@michaelcarley9866 13 днів тому

I thought she might look cute with the hat on.

@mink5 День тому

I love that the child in the book that Fran wrote, brought her cat along to mudlark with her, not a dog. Cats love mudlarking! #gomudlarking

@repeatdefender6032 13 днів тому

The wooden dog looks so jolly now! As if he'd been waiting for the hat this whole time. Fran's got a new book, how lovely! I have her beautiful picture book of her finds of the Thames, this one looks really adorable. I'm a massive cat guy, I have my own marmalade kitty named Reggie, who is a dear old man of 15. #gomudlarking

@charlesperez9976 13 днів тому

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

@chrisberry9017 11 днів тому

There’s no better companion than a marmalade puss!

@cjcarver6290 7 днів тому

The thing I enjoy about all of your videos, Nicola, is that you always inquire about how we are doing. It lifts my spirits. Congrats, Fran. Lovely book! #gomudlarking

@FindsByPirjo 13 днів тому

I enjoyed to see your guardian dog dresses up as well as all the finds and their stories. Congratulations to Fran for writing the book! #gomudlarking

@maryannesiskirish4358 13 днів тому

I love how the Thames mudlarks support one another, and you always do that so well, Nicola. Congratulations to Fran on her children’s book about Josh and Millee, and their adventures on the Foreshore. Looking forward to reading it myself! #gomudlarking

@arvettadelashmit9337 6 днів тому

Those pipe stems look like they could be strung on cords and used to make beaded curtains. They could be painted different colors to make them more interesting. Yes. I remember when you found the wooden dog. He was scary looking then. When you found that little hat, he was the first thing I thought of. He needed that little hat. That's a lovely book. I was trying to explain Mudlarking at the school where I was working as a substitute teaching the other day. We were looking for fossils (in a wash) at the time. I was explaining how educational I find all your videos to be. Thank you.

@HJJSL-bl8kk 9 днів тому

So lovely to hear ring-necked parakeets in the background!

@getlostwhenwondering393 13 днів тому

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

@MadelineRose-ep7fj 13 днів тому

Such good news about your opportunity to visit Chicago. Congratulations to Fran-Joy on the wonderful publication about Mudlarking. Always important to encourage youth to learn about history, wildlife and more. Loved the TempCo video. Love the Peaky Dippers, Kit and Caboodles, Si-Finds, Art in Holland, Tom from Scotland who loves anything Dutch, Victorian Mudlark who supports the miniature trains. So many have shared a wealth of knowledge that makes armchair learning such a joy. Be safe and keep traveling afar--maybe the Congo😊.

@ruthrising8600 11 днів тому

Hannam is quite a common name in London from the 16th century onwards. Edward Hannam was a tailor at 424 The Strand in 1852 TD of Westminster. Richard Hannam a silk weaver turned tapster then became a notorious thief. He died in 1656 and has an entry in the Dictionary of National Biography. Good hunting!

@jillfarley520 13 днів тому

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

@GlafkiGuestHouse 13 днів тому

Hi Nicola! Regards from Limni, a small seaside town in Greece! I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time now and I’ve become addicted! I can’t hide from you that I’m green with envy every time you discover one of the magnificent finds that Thames decides to reveal! I like to go beach combing on the beaches near my hometown, I’ve been doing that for more than thirty years. But the usual finds here are shells, sea glass and pieces of floor tiles that have been dumped in the sea over the years. I collect them and make mosaics. I wish I could come mud larking with you! Take care and keep giving us joy with your expeditions!

@nicolawhitemudlark 13 днів тому

Thank you ❤

@christineanderson4755 13 днів тому

Love the wooden dog with the fedora. So apt. I hope he makes it back to his homeland, but until then he is safe with you. ❤️ As usual you have inspired the detective in all of us. Good luck with everything, Mary Poppins of Mudlarking. 😊

@noonehere1793 12 днів тому

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

@cindywilson3647 13 днів тому

The moon is full, the stars are in alignment, and Nicola is on the Foreshore! Go to see you back on a sunny day on the Thames. #gomudlarking ☀🕶

@marionbowler5440 13 днів тому

Beautiful, he looks very happy with his new hat, the book would be perfect for my ggrans. # go mudlarking, and congrats to Fran on her hard work.x ❣️🇨🇦

@gersgems 13 днів тому

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

@maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864 12 днів тому

Thanks for another great video. I love that you can bring people back from the past to present. They will be forever immortal as long as there are people like you to resuscitate them. I love that Fran created a childs book with fun activities, great idea! #gomudlarking

@minnierose4398 11 днів тому

Thank you Nicola, what a precious soul you are. You make a beautiful difference in the lives of people here, now, today as well as for some of those passed who might have otherwise been forgotten ❤

@grandee4383 13 днів тому

Absolutely love the little hat on dog!! He does look dapper indeed! Congratulations to Fran on her book!!! I’m sure my 5 year old grandson would love it! #gomudlarking Much love from DeeAnn 🇺🇸

@shelleysmith6342 12 днів тому

What a wonderful birthday present is to watch a new video such marvelous finds and your soothing voice appreciating every single detail and excitement of finding treasures with names so you can learn about the history behind them.your my favorite larker thank you for great videos ❤❤❤❤❤the hat looks adorable on him little Keene is lucky you found him lol

@jenniferkirkpatrick122 7 днів тому

I absolutely love when you show your finds, especially love all the buttons, and share with all of us information you find about the person whose name you've found! I wish one day I could travel to the UK and meet you on one of your adventures. And congratulations Fran on your book it looks absolutely wonderful!! #gomudlarking

@christhompson4270 12 днів тому

Your dog statue looks very handsome in his new hat. Congratulations to Fran on publishing your book🥳🥳 #gomudlarking. Take care and see you on the next one 👍🙏❤️

@BottleBri 9 днів тому

Hi nicola. I have known of your UKposts for ages of course, and watched your videos many times. I found ‘bottle Ned’ a short while ago and i was binge watching all of his excellent videos digging privy’s in San Francisco, and who should pop up in one but you! I couldn’t believe it! Ned is an acquired taste for some but I think he’s great and a really nice guy who is clearly passionate about history. That was a lovely Warners you dug over there! Well done! Brian.

@sharonnohren-iw6ru 12 днів тому

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

@raktoda707 9 днів тому

What a delightful historical walk with you theu the ages via your finds.You have such a wealth of knowledge and do even more research to keep an honest tone for each treasure.The fullly intact glass bottle (Liepeg, Germany) certainly was a surprise for many of us.Stay safe,laugh often and # go mudlarking

@terryt.1643 13 днів тому

When I saw that hat, I thought it would be perfect for the dog and he does look happy to have it! Thanks for a nice mudlark today. PS. Stains still identify bacteria today. 👍👍

@pamelabettcher1659 13 днів тому

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

@Seahorse1414 9 днів тому

Our dear Queen always chose to spend her holidays at Balmoral and chose to spend her last days there . Her Majesty loved Scotland and we very much loved her in return .

@iamshotty 13 днів тому

Thank you Nicola. It was great to meet those old ghosts of history. Like travelling back in time. The dog looks dapper too in his new hat. I'm sure my great nephew would love that book. Fingers crossed 🤞xx Teresa 🇦🇺♥ #gomudlarking

@SnowPink90 9 днів тому

Hi Nicola, I love the little hat on your friend. It looks like it was such a nice day to go out mud larking!! I look forward to seeing your future videos of what you did in Chicago another places that you visited. I love the idea of little children learning about mud larking because it teaches them to always look for things wherever they are. They could be at a beach or in the woods or just walking along where there’s rocks and so forth. It makes them aware of history that’s around them. You enjoy the rest of the week and have a great weekend!!🥰🌊🐬

@mariab3720 10 днів тому

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

@stitcherypodcast9298 8 днів тому

I absolutely love your videos. I would love to mudlark myself! My favorite thing in this video was the name on the pipe. John Stephens….. my father (who passed away 4years ago) was John Stevens. Hearing that name just warmed my heart! Frans book looks fabulous and very inspiring! #gomudlarking

@pheart2381 12 днів тому

Biological stains are used on microscope slides to make the structures in a sample easier to see.

@lordleonusa 12 днів тому

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

@shirleynitka5030 12 днів тому

I watched this on TV yesterday. I love your videos. But, I forget to go on the computer & comment. Sorry!! Yes that hat is adorable for your doggie. You find so many treasures but what do you do with the little beads? You must have a bunch by now. Nice to see Fran there with you. Hope her book does well. Looking forward to your visit to Chicago. Lucky people who got to meet you. It would be nice if we knew when your mudlarking takes place. The birds & sounds change with the seasons. I love hearing about the finds & people you dig up. You have a great week & be happy.

@lynnhaase6060 4 дні тому

The hat is absolutely perfect!

@tonifitz6831 13 днів тому

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

@debrafoster4374 2 дні тому

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

@marinawilkinson5840 7 днів тому

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

@cyan1616 12 днів тому

Hello from Chicago!! I'm so sorry I missed you when you were visiting. I'm glad you actually found interesting things here. I tend to leave he city for my larking, rural dumps are my favorite. I love your channel and hope you visit us again soon.

@TheSaintsNo1 12 днів тому

Loved your hat for the dog made me smile x#gomudlarking

@abeerandamop 11 днів тому

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

@Nicole-pg5lk 13 днів тому

Loved the hat Nicola😊. And the soothing sounds of the water. Good luck with your lovely book Fran. Great pictures at the end! Can see you had a great time. Have a good week, love, Nicole. #gomudlarking

@abqresident4461 12 днів тому

Weaver Hannam piqued my curiosity so off I went to check all my usual sources. Alas, Weaver remains a mystery. Perhaps Weaver was not Mr Hannam's christian name but his occupation. Another great video! Congratulations to Fran in her literary adventure; thanks for thinking of the kids, Fran! All my love and hugs to you from me in New Mexico USA. #gomudlarking

@kathryndeloria1834 12 днів тому

I thoroughly enjoy when you extract what looks like just a shard or piece of glass and, voila! It’s a whole bottle, with writing! #gomudlarking

@karenwheeler2610 5 днів тому

Congrats, Fran on your accomplishment of becoming an author! I always enjoy your videos, Nicola,but I love the tiny beads on the straight pin in today's video! #gomudlarking

@kathimorrical9912 13 днів тому

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

@taffywelshboy 11 днів тому

Love all your expressions and historical resurching . excitement #go mudlarking

@leebrennan2609 9 днів тому

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

@mandalasilver 6 днів тому

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

@jamesdinsmore9022 13 днів тому

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

@kayesdigginit1519 13 днів тому

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

@williamavery9185 13 днів тому

Why not paint the dog purple to match ?

@charlesperez9976 13 днів тому

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

@kayesdigginit1519 13 днів тому

@@williamavery9185 no way

@williamavery9185 13 днів тому

@@kayesdigginit1519 Lol !!!

@rickigingernminniesadventu1134 12 днів тому

Congratulations Fran. Beautiful illustrations in your book. Josh & Miller go Mudlarking. I would love this for my Grandson . Nicola, as usual, we love to watch your videos and enjoy your commentary. #gomudlarking

@jds3493 12 днів тому

My favorite find was the pipe stem, with the story about not one but two pipemakers named John Stephens. And Fran's book looks wonderful! #gomudlarking

@bronwyndobbins282 12 днів тому

I love Fran, she is awesome. Congratulations on publishing the cute book.

@larkdavis6041 11 днів тому

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

@jennifershilling2703 11 днів тому

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

@beckypurplepetal1852 6 днів тому

My 6 and 9 year old love your videos and Fran's book looks fantastic! Congratulations on your book baby Fran. Thank you for another lovely video Nicola - I especially love it when you find a pipe as it is on my bucket list to find (we have only just started mudlarking) #gomudlarking

@lindatodesco1827 13 днів тому

Is the hat a fascinator ? # go mudlarking

@thistleanddoug5957 12 днів тому

I love to go mudlarking with you (vicariously)! I love the how the lowly button can reveal so much. A scrounge around with you and Fran is on my bucket list. #gomudlarking

@kay123kay 11 днів тому

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

@sheenamoore3938 12 днів тому

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

@pigoff123 12 днів тому

Congratulations Fran. I am so proud of you. You are so talented. Thank you for showing that children can learn about history on the foreshore. #gomudlarking

@deniseview4253 5 днів тому

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

@chrisberry9017 11 днів тому

Another fascinating video - thank you so much Nicola! I love the closeness that all you Thames mudlarks share, and the enthusiasm you have for each other’s finds. #gomudlarking

@susanhenderson5001 13 днів тому

Always great to see Fran on the shoreline. Can't wait to see her book. Also always enjoy the research you do into the people behind the finds, Nicole. Have a great day, all! #gomudlarking

@norabrady13 12 днів тому

Hi Nicola my little daughter and I love watching your videos together and delighted to see Fran has written a new kids book who’s storyline sounds amazing! #gomudlarking

@no-oneinparticular7264 12 днів тому

John Stephens on the pipe stem, brilliant.

@arciafrench993 12 днів тому

I finally got out near the River here in northern NH found some neat pottery pieces. Love the stories behind all you find. #GoMudlarking. What a nice book for Fran to write.

@savagesquirrel9828 9 днів тому

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

@honeydiamond5572 11 днів тому

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

@jillfogg2892 6 днів тому

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

@cynthiavenegas2891 8 днів тому

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

@teresasell107 11 днів тому

Would love to hunt treasure on the thames with you! I live on the beach in the U.S. On the west coast, the only treasures that wash up on my beach is sea glass! Rather rare but love it! # gomudlarking! Love your book Fran.!

@beckricketts 13 днів тому

Hi Nicola, I absolutely love your videos and watch them every time you upload, i’ve started going out locally looking for old objects due to inspiration from your videos. I’ve found a pipe stem, pottery and some old bottles so far, i get so excited when i find something! I think Frans book is an excellent idea and I would love to get one to read and enjoy the activities with my nephew, it would be such a lovely encouragement to get him into the hobby as he already has a keen interest in finding things even little rock’s in the garden (bless him). Another great video Nicola! I loved the little bead you found, so small and dainty you have such a good eye! I hope you find a glass eye soon that would be a good video to watch! Thanks again Nicola, have a lovely day♥️ #gomudlarking

@nicolawhitemudlark 13 днів тому

Thank you ❤

@marykayhansen775 12 днів тому

Congratulations on your new book Fran! The hat on the dog really cleaned up well. He looks great. #gomudlarking

@lydiaross2554 12 днів тому

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

@laurabishop7651 12 днів тому

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

@laurieolson830 10 днів тому

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

@ou8venus2 13 днів тому

I can’t think of just one thing I enjoyed. I love how you try to find the story behind the smallest item. So very interesting! #GoMudlarking

@lizearnshaw7486 13 днів тому

Good job Nicola, always love watching your videos. Amazing that a small button can open up so much history and inform us all. Having a good eye, finding the smallest of beads. It's the excitement of finding, discovering. Oh what a beautiful life you lead. Sending much love to you. Fran's book congrats, a real gem. #gomudlarking

@nicolawhitemudlark 12 днів тому

Thank you Liz xx