Mudlarking has evolved from a survival trade into a popular hobby, illuminating London’s rich history. The London Museum’s exhibition, *Secrets of the Thames*, showcases over 350 artefacts from the Thames’ foreshore, revealing stories of daily life. Palaeontologist Alessio Chicconi highlights the importance of these discoveries, noting the connection mudlarks feel to the past.
Mudlarking, once a means of survival for the Victorian poor, has transformed into a popular hobby for both Londoners and history buffs. Esteemed as a way to explore the city’s historical layers, mudlarking allows individuals to recover valuable artefacts from the Thames foreshore, revealing thousands of years of London’s history.
The London Museum’s exhibition, Secrets of the Thames, features over 350 artefacts highlighting stories of daily life over centuries. This display invites visitors into the realm of mudlarks: amateur archaeologists and urban explorers revealing fragments of history in the muddy banks of the Thames.
Alessio Chicconi, a palaeontologist and avid mudlarker, emphasizes the importance of these recoveries, stating, “What mudlarks do is really important to preserve history as soon as it’s found.” The Thames, with its tidal movements, uncovers a rich array of history, from prehistoric tools to 17th-century items, while its anaerobic mud plays a crucial role in preserving organic materials.
For many mudlarks, connecting with the past is deeply compelling. Chicconi shared, “It’s quite incredible when we find these objects, to think that I am the first person to touch it in 4000 years.” Each artefact, regardless of its mundane nature, reflects the everyday lives of individuals from the past and embodies humanity’s enduring need for remembrance. The quiet act of searching connects the present to storied moments from history.
Secrets of the Thames at the London Museum runs until 1 March 2026.
Mudlarking not only uncovers valuable historical artefacts but also creates meaningful connections with London’s past. The Thames provides a unique environment for preservation, helping modern-day enthusiasts become stewards of history. The *Secrets of the Thames* exhibition enriches our understanding of daily life through centuries, showcasing that even ordinary finds can bring history alive and remind us of our shared humanity.
Original Source: www.newscientist.com