1. The Society of Thames Mudlarks

In AD43 when the invading Romans sailed up the river Thames, they found a perfect site for a port, close to where London Bridge stands today. The Romans named the area Londinium. Since its birth on the banks of the Thames, London has been shaped by the river that runs through it. For thousands of years and from source to sea, people have been losing, dropping, sacrificing and throwing things into the Thames, making it arguably the longest archeological site in the world.

The section of the Thames through London beneath Teddington Lock is tidal. Twice a day, the Thames in London fills with tidal water, rising in places as much as 7 meters.

The rising tide tosses up ancient layers of mud, and at low tide, exposes a new collection of centuries of rich sediment which reveals the city’s past.

Some priceless objects have been fished from the London Thames over the years, including the Battersea Shield, the Wandsworth shield-boss, and the Waterloo horned helmet, all on display in the British museum.