National Geographic
Romans, Saxons, Normans—People have inhabited the banks of the River Thames for thousands of years, making its foreshore the longest archaeological site in London. It's a beacon for amateur treasure hunters—called mudlarks—who regularly search the Thames' riverbank for recently unearthed artifacts. The river's silt blocks oxygen from reaching buried treasures, preventing metal from rusting, while the tides expose new artifacts daily. But a recent surge in popularity—thanks to viral influencers—has forced the Port of London Authority to cap the number of permits it offers mudlarks, impacting both the hobbyists and the treasures they seek.
Pictured above are some of the treasures discovered in the River Thames: 18th-century dentures made from human teeth, a Roman marble head (probably of a goddess), a ball and chain from the late 1600s, and glasses from around 1600 CE.
Learn more about mudlarking and see what these enthusiasts have unearthed at the link in bio.
Photographs by @simoncroberts