A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A blog about mudlarking on the Thames foreshore, London, UK, medieval, Tudor and Victorian pottery shards
A mudlark is the name given to a person who scavenges in the foreshore of a river for objects that could be sold. This term applies specifically to those operating along the Thames River in London during the 18th and 19th centuries.
A blog about mudlarking on the Thames foreshore, London, UK, medieval, Tudor and Victorian pottery shards
Try your hand at mudlarking on the River Thames and uncover historic treasures and trinkets washed up along the foreshore.
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
Explore f.ab's 213 photos on Flickr!
A blog about mudlarking on the Thames foreshore, London, UK, medieval, Tudor and Victorian pottery shards
Explore f.ab's 213 photos on Flickr!
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
As a whole the Thames Foreshore can vary considerably in terms of accessibility, safety, interest or ‘fruitfulness’ and even within one very small section of it there are potentially …
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in Lo
A blog about mudlarking on the Thames foreshore, London, UK, medieval, Tudor and Victorian pottery shards
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
As a whole the Thames Foreshore can vary considerably in terms of accessibility, safety, interest or ‘fruitfulness’ and even within one very small section of it there are potentially …
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A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in Lo
Whilst some hanker after pilgrim badges or coins, the find I'd probably be most delighted by is from one of these Face Jug 1270-1310 (British Museum) a medieval jug with a face on it. I rather like the 'proper' term for these too, a right mouthful, 'anthropomorphic' - which in this instance means pots with partial or complete depiction of human bodies. 1301-1400 (Museum of London) Apparently these jugs were very popular in London, the ones above were made in one of the main towns supplying pottery to London in the 13th-15th centuries, Kingston. They tend to be quite small around 12cm. Most jugs depict men with beards and they often seem to be tugging or stroking them. Their meaning has been lost over time, I like to think they embodied some irreverent joke. Kingston Anthropomorphic Jug 14th Century (Christies) As I packed away my finds and sifted through the old stuff, I pondered over one piece of decorated green glazed medieval pottery. I worked out the decoration would have gone diagonally - I wonder, could it possibly be one of those arms?... Mudlarking Find 14th C (MetMuseum)
Delftware is my favourite pottery find, perhaps because it is so old, 1560-1750 yet its hand painted designs are so vibrant, bold and modern, similar to the Spanish and Portuguese pottery seen on holiday. Several pieces I've found are also quite quirky. The unfamiliar, poetic names of the original objects enthrall, puzzle jugs, fuddling cups, bleeding bowls, porringers, flower bricks, posset-pots, blue chargers, drug jars. A favourite find, delftware pottery approx 4cm with childlike design Tin glazed dish 1571-1800 Museum of London Delftware was first produced in London from 1571 by two Antwerp potters, Jacob Jansen and Japser Andries, who opened a pottery at Aldgate. During the 17th century several potteries were established close to the Thames in Southwark (in the wonderfully named Pickleherring Quay) , Lambeth, Vauxhall and Rotherhithe and later at Putney and Wapping. The best delft descriptions I've found are from Judith Miller, antiques expert, author and TV presenter, so many direct quotes from her, ‘Delftware is a type of earthenware characterised by its opaque white enamel glaze, made from a mixture of tin and lead ash, powdered glass and water.Before the development of this revolutionary enamel, British potters had been severely restricted in terms of decoration by the drab browns and greens of the clays they used. The clean white finish of Delftware allowed them to paint patterns, landscapes and portraits for the first time.They painted their naive designs in bright colours derived from various minerals - cobalt blue was the most widely employed, although copper green, manganese purple, iron red and antimony yellow were also used.’ Polychrome delftware shards found mudlarking on Thames foreshore English Delft Polychrome Dish 1675-1700, Christies Drug jars, wine bottles, and ointment pots were typically produced in the 17th century Delft Drug Jars Early 17th Century, Christies Delftware, some with manganese purple found mudlarking on Thames foreshore In the 18th century tea bowls, pots, cups and saucers were made. They were the possessions of the middle classes, status symbols, shown off in the best rooms rather than kept in the kitchen. In the latter part of the 18th century, Josiah Wedgwood promoted his more industrially produced tableware, which chipped less easily and was decorated in the new classical style, the public responded eagerly and delftware went out of production by the early 19th century.
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
A few years ago, a worldly friend who’s always in the know posted something to her Facebook wall that went something like this: Mudlarking on the Thames is the best way to spend a Sunday morning in London. She had me at "mudlarking"—I had no clue what it was. It seemed like something curiously obscu
At low-tide, the banks of the River Thames become the largest open air archaeological site in London. Every day, new artefacts get washed up on the shore, and old sites get exposed. As 19th century MP John Burns once quite rightly said "The St. Lawrence is mere water. The Missouri muddy water. The Thames is
IF YOU WANT MY LATEST BOOK 'SHERD' PLEASE SEE MY OTHER LISTINGS, thank you. This listing is a PDF book only! I will e-mail you a link to download the book. (Please note the download link is valid only for 5 days) After 12 years of research and mudlarking I put together this 128 page book. It is packed with photos showing typical sherds found in the Thames, with tips on how to identify and date pottery. Most of the common types of pottery found in the London area are included. A lot of these are found all over the UK and abroad. Included are – Roman pottery, Samian, coarse wares, colour coated, mortaria, tiles. Medieval pottery, Surrey White Ware, Penn tiles. Post Medieval, Tudor Green, redwares, slipwares, Borderware, Sunderland slipware, Midlands Purple, stove tiles, imports, Olive jars, German stoneware including Bartmann jugs, Westerwald, English stoneware, white salt-glazed stoneware, scratch blue, tin-glazed earthenware (Delft ware), porcelain, refined earthenware and transfer printed pottery. This book was shortlisted for the London Archaeology book prize this year, I didn’t win but I got lots of positive comments! Any questions, please get in touch. Please note the file is far too big to upload to Etsy. There is only the front cover on this site. Please wait for the link from wetransfer.
If you've just started mudlarking it can be useful to have a list of all the Thames foreshore access points. This post lists all the best...
Photo by N. Cohen
Foreshore exploration is guided by our experienced staff who will help you find and identify artefacts located on the surface of the foreshore.
RARE 16TH-17TH CENTURY BELLARMINE JUGS AND WITCH BOTTLE FACEMASK FRAGMENTS Enhance your collection of historical artefacts with these exceptional Bellarmine Jug and Witch Bottle Facemask Fragments. These rare and authentic specimens were discovered through mudlarking on the London Thames foreshore and date back to the 16th-17th century. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of London during this period. KEY FEATURES: * Specimens: Bellarmine Jugs and Witch Bottle Facemask Fragments * Period: 16th-17th Century * Location: London Thames Foreshore * Origin: Ex-private collection * Certification: Includes a Certificate of Authenticity * Scale: Scale cube in photo = 1cm * Full Sizing: Please refer to photos for exact dimensions DESCRIPTION: These Bellarmine Jug and Witch Bottle Facemask Fragments have been carefully selected to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. The attached photo shows the exact specimens you will receive, highlighting their distinct features and well-preserved condition. These artefacts are not only captivating display pieces but also tangible links to London's historical past. Bellarmine jugs, also known as Bartmann jugs, were stoneware vessels with distinctive bearded faces on their necks, widely used during the 16th and 17th centuries. Witch bottles were used as counter-magical devices to protect against witchcraft. The facemask fragments from these artefacts provide unique insights into the superstitions and daily lives of people from this era. AUTHENTICITY: We guarantee that all our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens. Each item comes with a Certificate of Authenticity to provide assurance of its provenance and historical significance. SHIPPING AND HANDLING: Your Bellarmine Jug and Witch Bottle Facemask Fragments will be carefully packaged to ensure they arrive safely. We offer fast and reliable shipping options to deliver your specimens as quickly as possible. WHY BUY FROM US? * Carefully chosen and authenticated specimens * Extensive selection of genuine historical artefacts * Each purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity * Exceptional customer service and support * Fast and secure shipping Don’t miss the opportunity to own these rare Bellarmine Jug and Witch Bottle Facemask Fragments from the 16th-17th century. Perfect for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike, these specimens are valuable additions to any collection. NOTE: Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of the artefacts’ size and condition. The scale cube in the images measures 1cm for reference. Add these extraordinary pieces of history to your collection today and own genuine artefacts from London's rich past!
As a whole the Thames Foreshore can vary considerably in terms of accessibility, safety, interest or ‘fruitfulness’ and even within one very small section of it there are potentially …
