As the summer sun beats down on the bustling banks of the Thames, Lara Maiklem leads the way through the chaos, away from the boozy crowd gathered outside The Banker pub. We descend a steep set of steps onto the river’s foreshore, just minutes away from the FT’s London office, yet transported to a world of history and hidden treasures underneath London’s surface.
- Uncovering History:
Mudlarking, once a means of survival for impoverished Londoners, has now evolved into a popular hobby for treasure hunters and history enthusiasts. In Maiklem’s upcoming book, “A Mudlarking Year,” she shares her journey through the seasons, unearthing artifacts like a 16th-century sword and various historical treasures that lay hidden beneath the Thames’ surface. - A Walk Through Time:
Moving eastwards along the foreshore, under the Cannon Street Railway Bridge, Maiklem unveils fragments of London’s past with each step. From 18th-century blue-patterned Chinese porcelain to Roman blackware, the riverbanks are a rich tapestry of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the city’s origins. -
Environmental Concerns:
Despite the historical allure of mudlarking, the Thames faces modern challenges. Sewage spills and contamination have plagued the river, echoing past environmental crises like the Great Stink of 1858. Maiklem’s observations of hospital waste and sewage debris highlight the urgent need for better water management systems. -
Preserving the Past:
As we navigate through slippery rocks and ancient remains, Maiklem’s passion for preserving history shines through. From 17th-century cloth seals to Roman bone hairpins, each artifact tells a story of London’s past, meticulously preserved by the anaerobic mud of the river. -
Time Travel Through Mud:
The foreshore of the Thames is a portal to London’s bygone eras, where fragments of clay pipes and discarded relics offer a glimpse into the city’s taverns and workshops. Maiklem’s devotion to unearthing these treasures paints a vivid picture of London’s past, bridging the gap between centuries gone by and our modern world.
As I resurface from the depths of history, the Thames whispers tales of forgotten relics and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Mudlarking along its foreshore is not just a hobby but a journey through time, where history mingles with the present, urging us to explore the depths of London’s past.
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