Mudlark'd

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This illustrated exploration of mudlarking reveals the captivating stories of forgotten individuals through objects recovered from the Thames. By examining 200 eclectic finds, alongside meticulous historical research and contextual illustrations, the narrative uncovers the hidden histories of people from around the globe. Each object serves as a starting point for tales about their owners, makers, or users, highlighting the customs and crafts of those in London and beyond, including visitors from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In the 18th and 19th centuries, London was a bustling port, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and people with every continent. The Thames served as a vital water source, shipyard, thoroughfare, and rubbish dump, with its banks lined by taverns, markets, and workplaces. Mudlarks have scavenged these shores since at least the 18th century, unearthing a trove of objects that evoke long-forgotten ways of life. For instance, a delicate bone hairpin reveals the story of enslaved Roman hairdressers, while a counterfeit coin connects to the heritage of millions of Australians. Other finds, like glass beads and clay tobacco pipes, illuminate the harsh realities of the transatlantic slave trade and the lives of Edwardian women parachutists, respectively. Additionally, the book features a primer with step-by-step advice on mudlarking in tidal rivers and identifying common finds.