Secrets of the Thames: Mudlarking London’s lost treasures

The first major exhibition on mudlarking, it will explore fascinating finds from the Thames foreshore, an internationally important archaeological site, and the role of mudlarks in uncovering thousands of years of human history.  Historically a trade of the Victorian poor, in recent years mudlarking has grown to be a popular hobby for history lovers, with licensed mudlarks uncovering many significant new finds from the Thames.

Amongst the fascinating objects set for display in the exhibition will be a Tudor knitted cap, discovered on the foreshore 500 years after it was lost. Inspired by similar velvet designs worn by the wealthy during this period, the more affordable wool version is a rare survivor that has been preserved by the unique conditions of the Thames.  It will sit alongside other gems including a medieval gold ring inscribed with the message: ‘For love I am given’ and an ancient Viking era dagger personalised with the name of its owner, Osmund. Other curiosities and everyday objects range from clay pipes and 18^th century false teeth, to Medieval spectacles and a pilgrim’s badge decorated with phalluses.

Secrets of the Thames will recreate an experiential foreshore studded with cases of mudlarked objects. The exhibition will include many never-before-seen finds that have recently joined the museum’s collection, revealing the often surprising stories behind these objects that continue to inform our understanding of London. There will be a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how finds are recorded and researched at the museum and insights from mudlarks themselves about how they investigate and curate their collections.