Bloomsbury Home
- Home
- NON-FICTION
- History
- Heritage
- Thames Mudlarking
Thames Mudlarking
Searching for London's Lost Treasures
Thames Mudlarking
Searching for London's Lost Treasures
You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. Please sign in or create an account
Description
A beautifully illustrated introduction to mudlarking which tells the incredible, forgotten history of London through objects found on the foreshore of the River Thames.
Often seen combing the shoreline of the River Thames at low tide, groups of archaeology enthusiasts known as 'mudlarks' continue a tradition that dates back to the eighteenth century. Over the years they have found a vast array of historical artefacts providing glimpses into the city's past. Objects lost or discarded centuries ago – from ancient river offerings such as the Battersea Shield and Waterloo Helmet, to seventeenth-century trade tokens and even medals for bravery – have been discovered in the river.
This book explores a fascinating assortment of finds from prehistoric to modern times, which collectively tell the rich and illustrious story of London and its inhabitants - illustrated with and array of photographs taken of the items in situ in the mud and gravel of the Thames estuary, at the same time both gritty and glimmering.
Table of Contents
Megalodons, Woolly Rhinos and Flint Tools
Rituals and Votive Offerings
Vanity and Sex
Zoomorphic Art and Viking Attacks
Pilgrims, Knights and Betrayal
Opulence and Witchcraft
War, Fire and Love
Death and Decadence
Empire and Invention
Keep Calm and Carry On
Eternal River
Liquid History
Places to Visit
Further Reading
Index
Product details
Published | Feb 18 2021 |
---|---|
Format | Ebook (Epub) |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 96 |
ISBN | 9781784424336 |
Imprint | Shire Publications |
Illustrations | Full colour photographs throughout |
Series | Shire Library |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
-
A bite-sized and accessible social history with a clear reverence for the mudlarks who have helped to paint a more intimate picture of the city's past.
Apollo Magazine
-
Organized chronologically, the book is packed with over 150 color photos of the historical artifacts found by London mudlarks. These objects recovered from the river tell the story of London and its inhabitants over the past 2,000 years, each adding a new perspective to the history of London. It's a beautiful visual history of London, and a fun read.
Beachcombing Magazine
-
Thames Mudlarking gives a great insight into the vast range of everyday items that can be recovered from the Thames foreshore. From Stone Age to Victorian, Londoners have lost or discarded a fascinating array of artefacts. Modern day erosion now threatens their survival. The book relates how ordinary people can get 'hands on' with history in the muddy bed of the Thames.
Ian Smith, Chair of The Society of Thames Mudlarks
-
"Good things come in small packages," as is often said, and with this book, they certainly do! No 'history lovers' bookshelf should be without it. Veritably crammed with facts and quality illustrations which take the reader through an exciting experience of 'time travel' via artefacts discovered in and alongside one of the most famous cities and rivers in the world.
Julian Evan-Hart, Editor, Treasure Hunting Magazine
-
I've stopped searching... this new book is indeed a treasure. Anyone who loves a bit of history, a good story and not afraid to get muddy, this book is for you!
Jeannine Saba, Editor, The Covent Gardener Magazine
-
This is a book that informs, inspires and – most importantly -- makes you want to train your eyes to see the treasures that lie below your feet. Reading this book will make you breathless to begin your exploration. It also teaches how to treasure hunt responsibly and reminds that what you find you share.
Dan Cruickshank