I love the way the word mudlarking is becoming popular again and yet is such an English word that brings confusion whenever I mention it.A mudlark was a poor person in the 18th and 19th centuries who searched the river foreshores for anything of value to help them survive. Nowadays, it's a bit like treasure hunting or beachcombing except instead of finding shells and seaweed we can find Roman coins, bones and clay pipes.
The clay pipes are 300-400 years old and yet I generally manage to find plenty as so many were thrown into the River Thames. These pipes were sold preloaded with tobacco and, although they could be reused, they were often thrown into the water. As most dock workers smoked it has left the river with a seemingly never-ending supply of them to wash up on the riverbanks each day. So, yes that does make them the equivalent of cigarette butts but I still find them fascinating.
There are rules about mudlarking in London, both legalities and health issues, but I've brought together all the information you need. Find out more... Image: © Laura Porter | London Travel Blog
Its a fascinating thing to do. I never plan to do it, when walking around London Bridge and the tides out, I just pop down the stairs. The entrances to the mud can be some what slippery if tide had not long gone out and you may have to watch where you put your feet, but I would definately say ,”Give it a go.”
I too love spontaneous mudlarking but always check the tide tables when taking my daughter so we don’t have a wasted trip. Never know what you’ll find but always fun to look.