Put the date of Saturday 11 May in your diary, as on that day the Mudlarks will be in The Henfield Hall, with an exhibition all day of artefacts found in the River Thames, and a talk in the afternoon in the Garden Room.
‘Mudlark’ is a Victorian name for people from impoverished families who lived in appalling conditions along the banks of the Thames. Their condition was such that they were reduced to scavenging along the Thames foreshore in the hope of finding anything they could sell to provide bread for the table. Children, teenagers, some barefooted, would search with elderly folk for bits of rope, copper, and coal, or for anything that fell or was stolen from the moored ships.
Today’s mudlarks come from all walks of life and are dedicated collectors. Their world as amateur historians and collectors is closely bound to the Museum of London. They are under license and are bound by an agreement to notify the museum regarding objects found that are over three hundred years old.
This relationship benefits both Mudlarks and the Museum of London. These dedicated people can be seen day or night on the foreshore at low water. For night forays, they wear head gear with a light and can be seen as murky crouched figures illuminated by lights from a nearby street. These are the conditions that all modern Mudlarks will be familiar with when harvesting gifts from Old Father Thames. They must always be aware that the river can be a dangerous place with fast tides rising some 20 feet and soft unstable mud in places. Many of them are highly knowledgeable in their specific interest and are always happy to offer advice to others.
We hope that, having read this article, you will be delighted to know that London’s top Mudlarks will be displaying their finds at The Henfield Hall on Saturday 11 May from 11am to 4.30pm, with a fascinating talk from one of their number at 3pm. Entry to the exhibition and talk will be free to members of the Friends of Henfield Museum, but there will be a charge for visitors and non-members.
As seating in the Garden Room is limited, booking for the talk is advisable by email to rosesharp2003@yahoo.co.uk or by telephoning 01273 494566. See more details in next month's BN5, or on a poster that will shortly be on display in the village.
Graham du Heaume