Hi, Nicola -Susan here. I just spent the weekend researching the Greenwich Hospital School, and then you find a button! I was doing a family tree for my niece and her Great-grandfather attended the school in the 1881 census. It said that at that time, it was mainly for the offspring of mariners, providing me a clue as to where to look for his father. Nice to have this to watch as I sit bundled up, watching the snow fall (It's November, when Canadians still like snow). Thanks again for the nature and the music as well.
I'm a 12yr Navy veteran from a US Navy family (okay, in the spirit of full disclosure, including immediate family and 1st cousins, we have 1 Army, 1 Air Force, 1 Marine and 1 Coast Guard, everyone else was or is, Navy), and I so appreciate how you put so much time and research into doing what you can to bring these service members stories to life. They might not have become great heroes doing extraordinary acts, but they all sacrificed and you take the time to honor that when you can. It makes their sacrifice real, and remembering the cost of war is profound and we should always be aware of price of war. Thank you
I really want you to be the one who finds the Great Seal that James II tossed into the Thames in 1688. We know it's there, it just needs to wash up one day and I want you to be the one who finds it.
Mary and William had a new seal made, based on the original matrix. Mary's father, James II, apparently thought dumping the seal into the Thames would bring the monarchy's business to a halt. That was stupid, of course it didn't. The seal he dumped into the Thames has not been recovered but I'm not worried, Nicola is on the case :-)
I love the way you visit graves and monuments to think about the people you discovered. You even left flowers 💓 wherever they are you've warmed their hearts 💕
This is strange Nicola, your grandfather who served on H.M.S.Repulse, so did my ex’s father, Len Phillips, who also survived the sinking. He went on to fight with the Chindits in Burma. Whilst many shipmates went to Singapore and were made to surrender to the Japanese he a carried on fighting, survived but never ate rice again! p.s. I’m now 70 and it’s nice to be able to pass anecdotes on.
Just discoveref your site. Fascinating ! Thanks for sharing and fingers crossed for your small trunk of pirate treasure thrown into the Thames when they were caught ! Great history. I have subbed - don't want to miss any more ! 🫂 🐦 🤞 🌞 🦩
The Thames was considered to be"biologically dead"for decades.... An open sewer for disposing of everything nasty and poisonous... Thanks to the people who were very committed to cleaning up the river, it's supporting wildlife again.... Good job,GB!!! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
It’s not good job GB Philip. It’s good job angling societies who fought for years to get the sewer that was/is the Thames (along with many other polluted waterways countrywide) cleaned up. As an aside it certainly wasn’t the government either! Did you know that the government and water authorities actually sell licences to companies allowing them to dump ‘legal’ amounts of crap into our rivers? No? Most people don’t know this. 😳
Yes, I thought it was completely polluted. And from watching British movies and tv shows, it seems it was a dumping ground for dead bodies! So when I started watching this channel, I was doubly horrified and mesmerized. But now I see so much beautiful wildlife being supported by this river. Kudos to GB for cleaning and conserving your famous river and the ecosystem 💕
Aside from your marvelous finds Nicola, the greatest respect that you have honoured the memory of those who made the greatest sacrifice and also those who served and returned. You are the best.
I think the fish thing may be an operculum from a good sized fish. This is a bony bit that covers and protects their gills. PS: When I showed your video to my 86 year old Mom, who has Alzheimer’s, her face lit up. She has been a lifelong bird watcher, and wrens are her favorite. Thanks for that lovely moment with my mom.
Personally I think it's the Spur from a Spurdog, a native Dogfish/Shark which used to be pretty common in the Thames estuary. Size and shape is spot on. I think it is too thin to be the Operculum.
@@rebeccatopken6532 I moved to a new neighborhood October 2020. Since then I've found a total of $240 ...lol and two grams of marijuana (sealed). The first time was three crisp $20s on a corner and the pot. A week after that, one lone $20... almost near the same corner! Next is the big one. I went to the store and not far from my first finds I saw $100 on the ground. I was gobsmacked and I ran at it. And it was folded...so I unfolded it and there was a 50 tucked in there! Also, two packs of cigarettes ...lol. I need to quit. Next, a lone $5 and a gift card with $6 on it ahaha. And finally, last week j found $10 when I was completely broke lol So I always keep my eyes on the ground when I go for my daily walks lol
"Stringent precautions must be taken to avoid cracking bombs during handling." Kind of advice you're always best off taking, whether you quite understand it or not. Another fabulous outing in the muck, Nicola! Thanks again!
I heard on the American news that since you, Si, and others have started cleaning up the Thames, that wildlife has started to come back. I’m overjoyed .
But haven't the British Government permitted releasing untreated sewage into the sea and rivers recently? Due to the lack of chemicals to treat waste water .
Great finds! I believe the key may possibly be left without a hole at the top because it's an old room key to a hotel room. That part of the key has two functions. The lack of a hole leaves a spot for the room number to be placed and simultaneously keeps people from adding it to their personal keychain and wondering off home with them, plus it tends to encourage people to keep track of the key the same way we are forced to keep track of the large key cards used today. I obviously could be wrong, but I hope that helps.
It is nice to see how responsibly you deal with history and how respectfully you speak of those, whose fate you bring out of the mists of history into today.
Hi Nicola - fantastic sign, the SS Richard Montgomery just on the river swale, Thames estuary had those exact bombs on! Maybe there related 😉 I went beachcombing on the coast of the wreck and found morta bomb shrapnel, I still believe it’s from that ship 🤔 aw that squirrel was so cute, but so funny!! Imagine if it comes in at night looking for food 😂😂⚓️ that’s would be hilarious. Happy hunting ⚓️
Was rather scary growing up with SS Monty nr us .. especially with the BP refinery on the Isle of grain..grandad used to say if he blows we are gonners ..the surface refinery has long gone...I mastered holding my breath.as we drove home .as it smelled awful..I'm 60 now but can still smell the smell of the refinery ,if I think about it
If you granted me my dream vacation, what do you suppose the destination would be? Hawaii? Tahiti? Shangri-La? Nope, I’d put on some hip waders and be right there in that mud with you, given the chance!
AGREE! I was just daydreaming about a month long trip to England - spending the entire time along the foreshore; camping near the mud flats and digging in Victorian Bottle Dumps! It sound like a glorious vacation!
Found this on the internet Nicola Home Guard Enamel Sign from an 'AW' Bomb Case This original WWII sign would have originally have been screwed on the inside lid of a box containing "AW Bombs" (a reference to the manufacturers Allbright and Wilson) or as officially known the 'SIP' or 'No 76 grenades'. Four grenades were packed in one wire-bound wooden case which had two rope handles and was fastened with two wires sealed with lead. The grenade was self igniting, consisting of a short necked half pint clear glass bottle containing yellow phosphorus, water, benzene and rubber, with a free space of 10%, sealed with a plain red crown cork. Spontaneous ignition occurred when the glass was shattered on contact with the target, by the oxidation of the phosphorus in air, which in turn ignites the benzene. A crude rubber two-inch strip, gradually dissolved in the container during storage, rendering the contents tacky and therefore assists it to adhere to the object at which the grenade is directed. The weight of each filled grenade was 1.5 lbs. You can almost imagine 'Dad's Army's Corporal Pike's shouting his warning 'Don't panic Mr Mainwaring' when handling such a weapon-before dropping it! The AW bomb was issued to the Home Guard initially for hand throwing and then for firing from 'the Northover Projector'. The Projector was a 2.5 inch ad hoc anti-tank weapon used by the British Army and Home Guard during the Second World War. With a German invasion of Great Britain imminent in 1940 after the allied defeat in the Battle of France, most available weaponry was diverted to the regular British Army, leaving the Home Guard short on supplies, particularly anti-tank weaponry. This weapon consisted of a hollow metal tube attached to a tripod, with a rudimentary breech at one end. Rounds were fired with the use of black powder ignited by a standard musket percussion cap and it had an effective range of between 100 and 150 yards. The weapon did have several problems in that it was difficult to move and the No. 76 Special Incendiary Grenades had a tendency to break inside the breech, damaging the weapon and injuring the crew. Like many obsolete Home Guard weapons, it was eventually replaced by the 2-pounder anti-tank gun in 1943. It is probably a good thing this weapon was never tested in a live situation whilst defending our shores!
Hi, the cormorant at the beginning of your lovely video with it’s wings outstretched reminded me of our wonderful Liver birds on top of the royal liver building here in Liverpool.
Watching this, I can’t help but think about all the people who cross your path in your life that leaves an impact on your life. Even though you don’t always meet these people in person, you vicariously experience their experiences and it is special to me. Thanks so much for all your research on the many items you’ve found and your many friends you’ve introduced. Thanks again. 😊
My oldest son and I started watching your videos years ago ( you gave him a shout out once when he was about 8 😀) And even now still fascinating to watch, my son is now 11 and is heavily into metal detecting, nugget noggin and you are his hero’s! He found a Charles the 1st coin down in Cornwall and the first thing he said is do you think you or nugget noggin have ever found one. Thank you for keeping us entertained
Wow I'm so glad you're still following the adventures and that your son is inspired! No I've never found a Charles I. I hope he finds some fabulous treasures. ❤️
Hi, 60 years ago a friend of mine was a mudlarker in Portsmouth harbour and found a clay pipe with that strange base, on checking in Portsmouth museum he was informed that it was deliberate as the pipe could be put down without it rolling over and spilling the tobacco
@@audreydubois6620 they still sell the clay pipes on the streets of India for one rupee and you just have one toot then smash it on the floor, but the pipe Nicola found was definitely a stand on the bottom so you could put the pipe down without spilling out the tobacco as Alan said
Another quite enjoyable mudlark, though many.combined! I look forward to you every Sunday. ...love the view from your window with your friend Squrrel!...So much fun!
I just came across your video. So intriguing AND educational. I used to go treasure hunting with my three brothers and friends down along the Grand River, Cayuga, Ontario, Canada way back in the late 1950's, early 1960"s. At each treasure hunt we would often wonder what was the story behind our findings. I ALWAYS say that IF the forests of this world could talk, MAYBE some historical facts might be changed due to the truth. God Bless you and keep safe to continue on finding and researching YOUR TREASURES. A new viewer (Canadian born, now living in Greece)
Hello, Nicola. Happy Birthday and many happy returns of the day! I am your birthday "twin" and have followed you since 2017. Today is my birthday as well, but I suppose I am 20 years older or so. I was born at number 10, Chesterton Road, in Cambridge, in a cottage belonging to Magdalene College. I live in the States, but I love beachcombing and metal detecting and am longing to try my hand at mudlarking when I return to London. My daughter has lived in London for nearly 10 years and is now in Chipping Ongar, and I am planning to visit her in the Spring. I really love your videos, the gentle style and appreciation you have for history. Thank you for your contribution to knowledge and the ebb and flow of life. I do gain much pleasure from your adventures and finds. Don't stop!
Did you know.....The elver is a remarkable creature, spawned in the Sargasso Sea but returning 2,000 miles and more to the rivers and streams of Europe in a journey that can take three years. It deserves respect, but sadly stocks have diminished enormously over the last three or four decades, now being perhaps 10 per cent of the levels after WWII. So well done for saving the little guy.
Hello Nicole Lots of great finds in this video. The sign was so cool. When I did my cousin's family tree for him, I discovered that his great grandfather was on a ship that was sunk during WW2. It was reported that he had survived the initial sinking but when he could not find his friend he dove back in to save him and was never seen again. His name is on a plaque in Nova Scotia where my cousin's toke his sons to see just before covíd started here. On a lighter note we loved the red top. Take Care Chris and Sandra of Canada.
Fascinating video. Thank you for researching the veterans and telling their story. There is a tradition that for as long as someone says their names, they will not be forgotten.
Dear Nicola, the way you honour your findings and tell their stories is truly lovely. One of my favourite people in the world ever, Sir Terry Pratchett, wrote "Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken" and the way you tell the stories of strangers from the things that you find, 'speaking their names' with dignity and respect is genuinely heartwarming, (and also fascinating). Thank you.
My last name is Morrow. The lock with the Morrow name on it was a surprise when you showed it. I am 83yrs old live in Texas all my life. My DNA shows me 79% great Britton. This man could be an ancestor. My dad was in ww2 was wounded in France in 1945 by sniper. Like you page. Keep mudding & stay safe. Malcolm D. Morrow USA.
Nicola, such beautiful finds. I love that you research the history of items. It is all so very interesting, particularly on those who fought in the wars. Visiting and leaving flowers on their graves is awesome. The squirrel at the end was a hoot. He must have a pretty big stash by now.
I loved this video. I enjoy antique shops, abandoned buildings, ghost towns and museums. I was an absolute geek for the whole adventure. Thank you. Finding your channel was the discovery of my day!
As a lover of history and genealogy, I really enjoy watching your channel from far off Tasmania. Thank you for making it so interesting and educating us through your research of the objects you find 😀
What I love more about your channel than anyone elses..... You give your finds an identity. The objects tell their stories. Fantastic channel, and another fabulous video 🙏❣️
Aye up, nice to see you again. I think you will find that the key was made at the time of the great national hole shortage in 1883. Many things were made without holes at the time including watering cans, bottles, buttons, sieves, hula hoops and many more everyday items. Your key was for a lock without a key hole. The problem was due to a lack of holes because too many ships that were used to import them sank due to the large number of holes aboard. This shortage lasted for a further three years, but this problem was finally overcome by Cork makers stepping manufacturing by a tremendous amount. From then on, all ships carrying holes had a plentiful supply of corks should they be needed. As a side note a law was passed forbidding the transportation of holes without corks. Love, Eric XX.
Enjoyed your video today, on this rainy Sunday afternoon…..5 hours after it was posted. So relaxing to watch you dig out pipes, and even love the sound of your boots squishing through the mud. I have watched so many of your videos, always so enjoyable. Thanks…..
Squirrel looking for nuts he found one looking through your window , totally nuts lol lovely video and the pipes and sign were as always amazing and jealousy inducing x
Traveling through history on the Thames. You are a Thames Traveler.. a book of your best finds and the history of the people behind the found objects. Great book for you to write. All the best.
Another great video. The wren was put on a farthing as it was one of the smallest British birds it is also called king of the birds, as a farthing was the smallest British coin and George VI was king that was the reason for the wren on the farthing.
@@kenjordan4950 Oh, so the Wren warranted the title King of Birds simply because it appeared on a coin on the opposite side as King George VI? So it might well have been designated Queen of Birds if a Queen’s image had been depicted on the opposite side? (Sorry if I come across as a wisenheimer. I DO really enjoy history, but this particular kind of detail I’ve never come across. )
@@kkrolf2782 No, not quite. The monarch (male or female) had no bearing on the bird image. The smallest British coin at the time was being represented by the smallest British bird. Size was the key (as always!) :-)
We liked all of your wonderful finds today but watching the squirrel at the end of your video was very amusing so was our favourite part 🐿🤣 Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. Take care James & Emma xx
Hello Nicola, thank you for another great video. Yes, we must always remember our veterans 🙏❤️ I love the key. I was thinking the key might of been kept in a special box, henceforth, no hole to be put on a ring. Possibly, a jewel or liquor cabinet. I do love the swans. Cute squirrel 🐿. See you next time. Joyce 🇺🇸❤️
Nicola, It was very touching, on Remembrance Sunday, that you paid homage to the two soldiers and your Grandfather, who fought for our freedom. It was a beautiful tie in to your finds, I really enjoyed the stories, thank you.
I have so much respect and admiration for you when tying an item to a specific person. Your kind-heart shines through! Both my grandfathers served in World War II as well. What would the world be like today without all those young men's service to protect us... Take care.
Bless you for bringing back those who gave so much and have long been forgotten. I personally appreciate that gift of humility that you have shown and shared with us. May all your dreams come true!
Perhaps the key has no hole because it was meant to stay in the door, to function as a handle of sorts, and to be pulled out when the owner wished to leave. That would make it even more difficult to open the door if there were no handle. Problem is, if he lost that key, he would be in a bit of a bind when he wanted to open the door again. That’s just my guess.
Yes, that was my first thought, but why have a key at all in that case? could it be very original, and so as not to confuse it with other keys? No immediate sensible idea springs to mind, unless the contents were so important that the key was carried with the holder at all times to restrict access? I like that idea whether it is true or not:-)
I also thought it was made to stay in the door. On the inside of a room or home. Now we have toggles to turn or buttons to push. Also when Yale started making keys they did not have holes. A small hole was added after complaints from customers.
@@tubemagpie I thought so as well. I was wondering if it was a hotel key, the kind that they give you at a desk when you come in and they take away from you when you leave. You wouldn't need it on a ring if so. It could rest in a little box sort of like a mail-sorting setup on a secretary desk.
I love your enthusiasm Nicola - there were some great finds! Every time you find a toy for the orphanage , my heart melts a little. Thankyou for the history update as well.
Always nice to see you Nicola. Your Frederick Jury video left an impression on me back then. Not just about him but about you. I deeply appreciate the kind of person you are. One that takes the time and cares enough to bring a person from near oblivion back into the minds of people again. It's a grand gesture to care like that and also express it in that video as you did. As always, all the very best to you.
I am thrilled to have discovered a new video from you! I just LOVE to go mud-larking with you for treasures, as well as the HISTORY of the area and the individuals behind them; including a family member of your own. Your little gray squirrel friend is an absolute hoot--he even comes knocking to announce his presence!! 😂🤣💖👍
Just found your channel. After watching this entire video I am proud to say I am a new Subscriber and I look forward to checking out more of your footage! Blessing to you from Kansas City, Kansas USA.
LOL on the squirrel addendum! On the wood-handled knife, some boiled linseed oil will help preserve the wood, you can buy it at any hardware/home repair store. A bronze/brass brush will clean up the steel blade, as well as the iron of the old key. I always love seeing the brass buttons, I'd love to see you repurpose them on a jacket, maybe a denim, leather or canvas jacket?
@@nicolawhitemudlark Be careful with linseed oil. Can cause spontaneous ignition of the cloth used to apply it! Don't screw one up and chuck it in the bin.
Oh Nicola I am obsessed with that glorious key!!! What a find! I adore old keys! I love to imagine what they would have unlocked. Your little pesky visitor is absolutely adorable begging for nuts. It’s quite funny how pushy he gets!! Continue to take good care of yourself sweet Nicola. Love from DeeAnn in CT 🇺🇸
Nicola, what interesting videos you have. I'm 74 now but still search for items lost long ago in the mountains and streams of Oregon and California with my metal detector. I even find some gold once in a while. Your videos are inspiring and you are such an attractive and interesting lady.
What a pipe find! Your joy was exactly what I exuded when I found mine last month…I miss the foreshore terribly. The sign was so cool also and did remind me of some of the instructional signage in the Churchill War Rooms. What a great historical find!
Subscription. I love it when people take the time to look around and actually see what’s there. And it never hurts when a video presenter is a beautiful lady with a clear calming voice. Spending time with Nicola! Looking forward to doing that more.
I came across this site quite by accident... Absolutely fascinating and very well presented.. So many historical links to our amazing history... looking forward to following and seeing more of these interesting videos.. Thanks
AmericanPatriot1776 here with a different name. I spend time on the live cam of the Eagle nest in Redding where mom, Liberty, and dad, Guardian are rebuilding their nest for the Spring. They had three healthy eaglets, Glory, Honor, and Rebel who successfully fledged and are on their own now. Anyway, this episode here with you was so wonderful and what I needed today, Spent over 2 hours at the dentist yesterday and it was quite stressful and full of anxiety. He is a very good dentist but the procedure was very painful and I almost ran out of the office. I ended up satisfied with his work but I'm kind of scared to go back. Just needed to get my BP down so I thought I'd spend time with you, thank you Nicola, you are like a wonderful friend. Margaret :-)
You should get another dentist. In this day and age to have to suffer any pain whilst undergoing a surgical procedure is negligent in the extreme. Scrimping on the numbing is a crime. I cannot tell you how many dental procedures, including root canal and of course extractions, with no pain I have had. You will find, if you do some research, there are lots of dentist offering pain free procedures. You just need to check your insurers will cover. If it transpires that your insurers are only allowing use of the pain merchants ... why is that ? Are they cheaper than the no pain practitioners perhaps ? Call me cynical but I always think money is the decider and 9 times out of 10 it is. If the evidence is there, you need a savvy lawyer who will do a no win no fee agreement and challenge the insurers. I know - it's a hassle but until someone ( or several someones ) does challenge them the practice will continue. Hope you feel better. Sorry Nicola to deviate but it makes me so angry that people are suffering pain they don't have to. Btw - love your squirrel ! 😞 🫂 🤗 💕 🦩
Nicola. Many thanks for the upload ☺️ I like the squirrel 🐿 at the end. I’m the same with animals, I have to help them. I have 100’s of birds in my back yard and feed them all year round. Your videos are always enjoyed. Jake. 🥰👍X The secret squirrel!!!
Your channel is fascinating I could watch it all day and you, yourself, are just delightful. You take real delight in your finds as well. I want to vacation in the U.K. and go mudlarking, I mean London, the Thames, go all the back to the Romans and further even. I have tried this around Boston and while I have found one or two interesting things it is all few and far between.
You're a magnet for the most oddball things in that mud! I'd love to see a video of how you became involved in this unique hobby. I wish I could try it, though being a denizen of the Nevada desert makes that an unlikely prospect...
Nicola, apart of the interested thing's you my finde in the Mudlarking, have to tell you, as a animal lover , the animals when they see you coming they said to each other, here comes the one with the big heart, the one with an enormously amount of patience. If you like animals, you can't go wrong , sweet caring person. May Saint Frances of Assisi protect you for ever. PAZ Y BIEN.
Yes, you can see the primer cap (the middle bit on the base of the cartridge) has no pin strike. Please be careful, it is a live round. btw, the rim around the primer cap should tell you the calibre and the manufacturer of the round.
