Mudlarking under the Millennium Bridge
Millennium Bridge, London EC4V 3PA
Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when London’s poor would search for things to sell, mudlarking is the urban equivalent of beachcombing, and although you’re unlikely to find much of value these days, you can easily pick up items that are hundreds of years old. Clay pipes are the most prevalent items, thrown into the River Thames by dock workers who bought their pipes pre-filled with tobacco and threw them away after a smoke. Take a plastic bag or tub for your treasure collection and give it all a good wash when you get home.
To mudlark anywhere in London, you need to obtain a licence from the Port of London Authority: these are easy to get but come with a set of carefully monitored rules and regulations which you should study carefully. Also, bear in mind that mudlarking is an ideal solitary activity but novices shouldn’t mudlark alone: the tide turns fast and the mud can be hazardous. It’s a good idea to wear gloves, and although mudlarking is a child-friendly activity you should keep your eyes on little ones at all times. Always check the tide tables, and wear sturdy shoes as it can be slippery; always check for your exit point as the tide comes in quickly once it starts. Also, wash your hands after touching items on the river foreshore – the Thames is pretty clean nowadays but it's better to safe than sorry!
