Mud Historian (Malcolm Russell)
@MudHistorian
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River Thames Mudlark. Author of Mudlark'd: Hidden Histories from the River Thames (Thames & Hudson / Princeton University Press)
Joined November 2020
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It's here! My book 'Mudlark'd: Hidden Histories from the River Thames' is published today by Thames & Hudson.
#thamesandhudson
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#history
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It’s only January, but this may well end up being my
#mudlarking
find of the year: a miraculously mostly complete Roman cup. A less common form. Now having its contents x-rayed at the Museum of London.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#romanbritain
#history
275
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17K
This Edward IV silver penny, 1472-5, minted in York, pretty much washed into my hand last week on the Thames foreshore.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#archaeology
#history
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After five years of searching I finally found a complete Roman bone hairpin
#mudlarking
on the River Thames foreshore, London.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#romanbritain
#history
135
535
7K
Finding a late medieval (c. 1400-1450) parchment pricker
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Used for writing on a wax tablet or marking out letters when creating manuscripts. A bucket list find for me.
#mudlark
#medieval
#archaeology
65
539
6K
Venus’ bottom - part of a Roman figurine of the goddess of love, sex and fertility, AD 43-200. It washed in front of me yesterday while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
86
459
5K
Extracting a Schweppes ginger beer bootle (c. 1901-1920) while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames last week. Only the second complete one I’ve found. “To H.M. the King” refers to Schweppes’ warrant to supply the royal household
#mudlark
#history
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4K
Found yesterday
#mudlarking
on the River Thames, an even more complete bearded man motif from from a 16-17th century ‘Bartmann’ jug. Used for ale, wine, water and other liquids.
#mudlark
#archaeology
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3K
A favourite river Thames
#mudlarking
find from last year: a tiny 19th century Parian ware jug just lying on the surface waiting for me.
#mudlark
50
212
3K
Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames, this large 19th century barge padlock had become a lump of rust. A long soak in vinegar however, revealed its details, including the name G. Carr & Son: a barge builder and anchor maker based in
#rotherhithe
.
#mudlark
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191
3K
Found last week mudlarking on the River Thames; a 15th Century silver groat of Edward IV (r. 1461-70 and 1470-83).
#mudlarking
#Archaeology
#History
#medieval
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220
3K
Finding a fragment of Roman drinking beaker while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. The first hands to hold it in 1,700-1,800 years. Complete example in comments.
#mudlark
#romanbritain
#archaeology
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205
3K
Plucked from between two slime covered rocks while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames: a silver groat of Henry VI (r. 1422-61 and 1470-1).
#mudlarking
#archaeology
#history
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203
3K
My mudlarking find of the year 2023: a Roman two handled cup (a handle and the base are missing). This find made BBC London News. The most complete and unusual Roman vessel I’ve recovered.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
25
159
2K
Yesterday I found this Mesolithic (middle Stone Age) blade
#mudlarking
on the river Thames, the first human hands to hold it in c. 12,000-6,000 years.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
44
175
2K
I plucked this bartmann jug neck c.1550-1700 from the mud of the river Thames yesterday. Is anyone able to shed any light on the beard tie/ribbon/ring?
#mudlarking
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
48
200
2K
This upper section of Roman bone hairpin washed into my hand this morning whilst
#mudlarking
on the river Thames: the first to hold it since around AD 150-400.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#romanbritain
19
156
2K
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78
1K
Finding a 16th-17th century neck from a ‘Bartmann’ (bearded man) jug while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Used for storing and serving liquids such as ale and wine.
#mudlark
#archaeology
17
105
1K
Two millennia ago an inhabitant of Roman Britain stepped onto a still-wet clay tile, leaving behind an imprint of their hobnail boot. Today I was lucky enough to find that tile.
#romanbritain
#archaeology
#mudlarking
#history
17
153
1K
This pewter find dating to around 1450-1550, would have been attached to the end of a belt or strap to stop it fraying and add some bling. I plucked it from the thick, black mud of the Thames foreshore while
#mudlarking
.
#history
#archaeology
20
108
1K
Silver half groat of Edward IV (r. 1461-1470 & 1471-1483) found lying on the surface while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames foreshore.
#mudlark
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Found
#mudlarking
on the Thames this morning: the head of a hunting dog on fragment on Roman drinking beaker. Made in the Nene Valley c. AD 200-300.
#mudlark
#romanbritain
#archaeology
#history
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83
928
Favourite mudlarking finds of the year
#3
: an ancient bottom from a figurine of Roman goddess of love, sex, beauty and fertility, Venus. Dates to around 2nd century.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
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Finding a c. 1890-1920 R. Whites lemonade bottle while
#mudlarking
on the River Thames.
#mudlark
#history
#treasurehunting
39
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906
The face motif from a 16th-17th century ‘bartmann’ jug staring up at me
#mudlarking
on the river Thames yesterday.
#mudlark
#archaeology
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This delicate c. 18th century glass medicine bottle washed up at my feet miraculously intact while mudlarking on the Thames foreshore. The patterning is iridescence caused by the outer layers of glass separating.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#archaeology
#history
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813
Finding a fragment of Romano-British black burnished ware while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. The first hands to hold it in nearly two thousand years.
#archaeology
#romanbritain
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795
Favourite mudlarking finds of the year
#1
: early 20th century Schweppes stoneware bottle. Only the second I’ve found in years.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
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Pyramidal button, 1450-1600, possibly from a doublet. Found in a patch of rusty nails mudlarking on the Thames.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#history
#archaeology
12
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772
Tiny Roman bronze coin found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames yesterday. In the 19th c., thousands of Roman coins were found in the Thames along the line of London Bridge, thought to be votive offerings.
#mudlark
#archaeology
9
71
714
Always turn over pottery sherds! Finding a fragment of Bartmann jug, c. 1620-1675 this morning
#mudlarking
on the Thames foreshore this morning. Complete example in comments.
#mudlark
#archaeology
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Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames by a friend: a mid-19th century Lefaucheux 7mm pistol, the same type of gun French poet Paul Verlaine used in attempting to kill his lover Arthur Rimbaud following an absinthe and opium soaked sojourn in London.
#mudlark
#history
14
75
662
Extracting a late Victorian-Edwardian stoneware ink bottle while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Ink sales grew in tandem with rising literacy in the 19th c.
#mudlark
#history
9
46
636
I found this 18th century medicine bottle miraculously complete - preserved by the mud of the river Thames. The patterning is caused by iridescence. It features on the back cover of my book.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#history
#archaeology
10
44
640
A favourite
#mudlarking
find from the river Thames: the Kissproof “Midget” lipstick, 1920s-30s. Endorsed by actor and on-screen kisser Anna Q. Nilsson.
#mudlark
#lipstick
#fashionhistory
11
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601
Favourite mudlarking finds of 2023
#2
: bone late 16th century knife handle with crown shaped finial.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
3
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565
This merchant’s signet ring, 1450-1550, simply washed up at my feet one day while
#mudlarking
on the Thames. Features the initials “RD”. An all-time favourite find.
#mudlark
#history
#archaeology
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44
523
Found recently
#mudlarking
on the river Thames: a little slice of late medieval everyday life in the form of a lead weight.
#archaeology
#history
#mudlark
4
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Recovered from the river Thames yesterday: the distinctive profile of Queen Anne on this pewter cufflink dating 1702-14.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
10
42
515
Tiny 16th-17th century lead dyer’s seal made to be attached to the edge of a roll of cloth. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames foreshore.
#mudlark
#archaeology
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44
494
Favourite river Thames
#mudlarking
finds of the year part 2: a miraculously unbroken 19th century clay tobacco pipe. Found simply lying on the surface of the foreshore.
#mudlark
6
27
494
Found on the Thames foreshore languishing among rocks under an iconic bridge: a late 19th-early 20th century whistle in the shape of a fish.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
11
34
484
Found yesterday among a larker’s returns to the river: clay tobacco pipe likely featuring the mark of William Tappin of Blackfriars, 1720-1750. One larker’s trash is my treasure.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
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28
449
A Victorian token of affection found
#mudlarking
on the Thames this weekend: a thimble featuring the words “forget me not”.
#mudlark
#victorian
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43
445
Silver half groat, 1645-6, minted at the Tower of London. The coin still features Charles I despite the mint being under control of Parliamentarians at this point during the English Civil War. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
7
37
433
Found last week: upper section of a Roman hairpin made from bone, dating AD 150-400. One of my favourite types of object to find
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#romanbritain
4
22
432
Small brass weight, 1760-1820, found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Features the ewer (water jug) mark of the Founders’ Company who had the right to inspect weights, the cipher of George III and the shield of the City of London.
#archaeology
#mudlark
7
42
431
After 5 years of searching, longest 19th century clay tobacco pipe I’ve found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#history
#archaeology
16
21
429
This
#mudlarking
find I made earlier this year has now been confirmed as a rather rare medieval wooden gaming counter dating to the 14th century. It is now at the
#museumoflondon
, the first example to be recorded for
@findsorguk
8
22
424
Finding a clay tobacco pipe bowl featuring castle insignia of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Below the castle is a sphinx and the word 'Egypt'. The regiment's 2nd Batallion was stationed Egypt from 1902-8.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
11
25
413
A Victorian ‘Convict Department’ Prison Officer’s uniform button found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Convicts were kept at the Thames-side Millbank prison before being transported to Australia. They also were forced to help dredge the river.
#mudlark
3
40
407
Charles I farthing daring 1625-49 just lying on the Thames foreshore waiting to be found the other week.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#coin
10
26
424
19th century brass thimble featuring the words “forget me not” found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames foreshore, London.
#mudlark
2
33
390
Kissproof ‘Midget’ miniature lipstick, 1923-30s, found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Endorsed by silent movie star Anna Q. Nilsson.
#mudlark
5
33
390
Sun Fire Office fireman’s uniform button, c. 1800. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#history
5
23
380
Two sections of the same teacup 1896-c. 1920, found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames two years apart. From Sam Isaacs fish and chip restaurant, the first to serve the dish at tables with crockery and cutlery.
#mudlark
#history
#archaeology
9
38
370
After 18 months of searching, I finally found another Roman bone gaming counter
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#romanbritain
3
34
357
Fragment of Roman samian ware (the Romans’ ‘best China’) featuring a figure holding a jug. Found languishing on the Thames foreshore on Tuesday.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#romanbritain
#archaeology
8
28
348
18-19th century (?) cufflink found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. I haven’t been able to identify the marks on it. Can anyone help?
#mudlark
#antique
#archaeology
17
35
353
My favourite Thames
#mudlarking
find of 2022: a fragment of Roman samian pottery featuring a figure with an erect penis, cloven hooves, a tail and a human torso. Perhaps the deity Faunus/Pan or a Faun/Satyr (nature spirit).
#mudlark
#archaeology
10
31
331
One of my favourite finds made
#mudlarking
on the
#riverthames
- a Tudor signet ring, c. 1450-1550. In my book I discuss six possible owners.
#history
#archaeology
7
26
331
Victorian-Edwardian oil lamp burner in great condition made by the Venus Lamp Works of Hoxton. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
4
17
330
Favourite river Thames
#mudlarking
finds of the year: medallion commemorating the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Sold cheaply, it would have been used as a gaming counter or simply kept as a souvenir.
#mudlark
#archaeology
2
39
330
A belated coronation post. A broken, rain-soaked brick made to celebrate George V’s ascension to the British throne, 1910. Of all the commemorative objects I’ve found
#mudlarking
this one seemed to fit the somewhat lacklustre vibe at the weekend the best.
#mudlark
5
26
325
Favourite finds of the year part 1: an unusually happy looking and complete bearded man from the neck of a 16th-17th century bartmann jug. Imported from the Holy Roman Empire in huge numbers.
#mudlarking
#archaeology
#mudlark
7
40
316
Fragments of Roman drinking beaker, 2nd-4th century AD. All found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames, London.
#mudlark
#archaeology
0
28
314
Favourite river Thames
#mudlarking
finds of the year, part 3. Lemonade bottle c.1890-1910 coloured electric blue via iridescence caused by weathering.
#mudlark
.
4
12
310
Cadbury's chocaolate tongs, c. 1900-1930s. Found mudlarking on the River Thames foreshore.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
#cadburys
#chocolate
3
10
301
Last Friday, this bone knife handle with a ring and dot pattern washed up at my feet while
#mudlarking
on the Thames. It’s been dated to 1300-1600.
#mudlark
#history
3
27
325
Found
#mudlarking
on the Thames last week: a late medieval bunghole from a Coarse Border ware cistern. Used to store liquids such as ale and water. c. 14th-15th century.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
#medieval
9
15
296
The head 16th c. King Edward VI on a Victorian-20th c. button from the uniform of boarding school Christ's Hospital, now in Horsham, Sussex. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
2
18
298
Half a Roman hairpin and a fragment of Roman high-end tableware: two pieces of ancient flotsam and jetsam mudlarked from the river Thames this morning.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#archaeology
3
21
297
Section of honey pot, c. 1690-1830. Found as 11 fragments eroding out the Thames mud and glued back together. One of my favourite ceramic
#mudlarking
finds.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
7
22
296
Boat wash swept in this 17th century tin-glazed earthenware candle stick while I was
#mudlarking
on the Thames yesterday. Rescued from its watery resting place for three centuries.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
3
20
299
Hobnail shoe sole section. Possibly Roman given findspot, hobnail pattern and fact suspected others found in the vicinity. More analysis required. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#archaeology
5
18
285
One of my favourite coinage finds made
#mudlarking
on the Thames - an Edward IV (r. 1461-70 and 1471-83) silver groat (four pence).
#mudlark
#history
#archaeology
9
23
278
Finding a clay tobacco pipe bowl designed to look like a bird’s claw clutching an egg. ‘Egg and claw’ pipes were popular between around 1880 and 1910. A river Thames
#mudlarking
find.
#mudlark
#whatthevictoriansthrewaway
1
12
273
Mudlarked 19th-early 20th c. clay tobacco pipe featuring a parachutist. These were often young women who made jumps from balloons at fairs and carnivals. Their story is told in Chapter 5 of my book.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#dollyshepherd
4
18
265
17th-18th century pewter cufflink with glass inlays, found in a patch of rusty nails while
#mudlarking
on the river Thames foreshore.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
3
14
270
Pewter token, 1425-90, precise purpose unknown, found languishing on the river Thames foreshore while
#mudlarking
.
#mudlark
#archaeology
1
17
262
Found 10,000-odd miles from home on the Thames foreshore, London; a button from Australian tailor, D.J. Humphreys of Sydney, c. 1863-83.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
#history
2
15
259
Whistle in the shape of a fish found nestled between rocks on the river Thames foreshore. Circa late 19th-early 20th century.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
#history
2
21
237
Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee brooch, 1897. Found mudlarking on the River Thames.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
#mudlarked
6
14
226
Plucked from the river Thames foreshore while
#mudlarking
: a Charles I farthing, 1636-44. This would have purchased a seat in a small ferry (a “wherry”) across the river.
#mudlark
1
25
235
My collection of 18th century clay wig curlers, all found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Periwigs could be expensive items and curlers helped keep them in shape.
#mudlark
#archaeology
#history
1
14
224
A large raspberry prunt once attached to the stem of a 16th-17th century wine glass to provide grip. Plucked from the river Thames foreshore last week while
#mudlarking
.
#mudlark
#archaeology
12
16
220
Complete leather shoe extracted from the mud of the river Thames. Spot mostly produces 16th-e. 18th c. finds. The imprint of the wearer's foot is still visible inside. The tongue would have been worn turned over
#mudkark
#mudlarking
#archaeology
2
23
226
The head of Queen Victoria cut from the head of a 1901 farthing coin, likely to make a mourning pendent following her death that year. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#history
3
21
220
#Mudlarking
has introduced me to all sorts of terms to describe the little details of everyday objects. Below a knop from an 18th c. wine glass stem. Defined in 1677 as “a decorative swelling”. See comments for knop typology. Which is your favourite knop?
#mudlark
#archaeology
3
19
219
16th century clasp, clothing hook and chatelaine hook (for hanging household items from a belt). All found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#atchaeology
#history
0
22
210
Found 10,000 miles from its place of origin: a button bearing the name of Victorian tailor, D.J. Humphreys of Sydney, Australia.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
1
15
218
Novelty whistle in the shape of binoculars, c. 1930s. Plucked from the mud of the river Thames.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
4
13
211
Found last week
#mudlarking
on the river Thames: a pewter reckoning counter c. 1574-1603. Although it looks like a coin, it was actually used for making numerical calculations on a counting board. Inscription reads “of the Chamber of the Royal Accounts”.
#mudlark
#archaeology
4
7
213
Tudor shoe sole, 1500-1600, found mudlarking on the River Thames foreshore. Its small size suggests it might have belonged to a child's shoe.
#mudlarking
#mudlark
#history
#Archaeology
4
12
209
Found yesterday: a mid-late 16th century knife handle with a less common crown-shaped (?) terminal. Carrying a personal knife was common, not least because dinner guests and inn patrons were expected to supply their own cutlery.
#mudlark
#mudlarking
#archaeology
#history
3
12
204
An unexpected
#mudlarking
find from the river Thames this morning: a reproduction of a 1916 Pritchard Greener revolver bayonet, designed for use in close combat, for instance when raiding a trench.
#mudlark
#history
#bayonet
#WW1
8
20
203
19th c. medalet advertising The Mint, Birmingham. This private mint made coins inc. for European colonies and newly emerged nation states. Found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames.
#mudlark
#history
4
10
204
Roman blue glass tessera found
#mudlarking
on the river Thames. Such tesserae were used to add details such as water to mosaics.
#mudlark
7
10
203