Who threw a Sign in the Thames Mud to be discovered decades later? Mudlarking the Thames (Nov 2021) 

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.

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 love the fact that after you have found so many pipes over the years, you still get very excited when you are extracting a pipe

11:10 that feeling you get …at garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales, metal detecting…. Perfectly expressed in her voice.🥰👍

I'm constantly stunned as to how you spot some of your finds, Miss Eagle Eye.

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.

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 💕

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

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.

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!!! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Honestly the toy orphanage makes me so happy. I love that they all have each other, and you!

So cute your little Squirrel friend! Amazing how trusting he is…adorable!

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 .

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.

"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!

Lovely Sunday mudlarking with Nicola with a bonus Squibble. Thank you from Arlington, Washington state.

Dear Nicola, What a fantastic job you did in weaving veterans into your roundup. I'm am thoroughly impressed. Poppet

Thank you Nicola for reminding us of all the beauty out there if we open our eyes and really look....how wonderful life is.

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

Oh Nic, you have very interesting friends. I love your surprise visitor. I love your stories and your evident respect for those who came before us.

Another fun day of treasures! Have a great week!

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.

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.

Such a wonderful video. Thank you Nicola. Take Care. I love the wee squirrel, he/she is so smart and adorable.

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.

My favorite of your finds was the intact clay pipe. Awesome find! Thanks for sharing your day with us. 🤗

like these the best! a few birds, some music, and a mudlark. So relaxing. AND the squirrel at the end is adorable.

Always the best part of my Sunday, thanks .

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.

WHAT A TREASURE OF A DAY, SO SO MANY WODERFILLED FINDS!!! MADE MY DAY, THANKS NICOLA!!

I had a squirrel that would tap on the window for chetoz. He got really fat. I watch you all the time and I think you are so kind. The soldiers with no families are so lucky to have you.

Awesome video, thank you for sharing and for the talk too. Take care, stay safe and well, see you next weekend 👏👏👏👍👍👍🥰🥰🥰💖💖💖

Amazing finds and the war stories with the finds are fascinating and very poignant this remembrance Sunday.

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.

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.

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)

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!

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

Thank you for allowing the world to share in your passion for discovery.

That's very good advice about bombs and other munitions. They can remain dangerous for not just decades, but centuries. The town of Plymouth North Carolina was taken by Federal forces early in the Civil War, and retaken by the Confederates in 1864. Quite a few of the shells that the Federal forces fired in defense of the town had defective fuses. A fellow found one in his yard, put it in the back of his pickup truck and was driving to a friends house to show it off. He hit a bump and the shell went off. Fortunately he survived. But if you do find ANY kind of shell or bomb, DON'T touch it, no matter how harmless it looks. Get away and notify the authorities ASAP.

A great key you found reminded me of my grandma’s home they had the biggest keys really old thanks Nicola for a great video.

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. 😊

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.

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!

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.

Thank you Nicola. Another wonderful programme. Always the highlight of my week!

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.

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 😀

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.

Great video today! Thanks Nicola🌊 That squirrel will figure out how to get in ! 🐾Be careful.I ‘d secure it at night or when your not there🐿

I know this may sound odd to some but I was glad you hadn't sewn on another leg on the bunny. He's still loveable just the way he is 😊

Thank you Nicola, that was wonderful.

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.

The A & W bomb sign is all the more interesting and appreciable with your investigative information on it's history. As always an enjoyable time spent watching you find treasures. Thanks Nicola.

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.

You always find the coolest objects, love your videos

Great video Nicola! Wonderful finds and a cheeky squirrel that made me laugh. Have a beautiful week!

i love your videos. all the best from germany.

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!

You re a great story teller your sincere interest is contagious

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.

Some more fab finds nic! Thanks for sharing! You're looking radiant in red ❤ gorgeous lady xx

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.

Amazing that sign did not rot away after all this time. Great find.

The key might be solid to prevent its being placed in a key ring with others. An important key, perhaps, which unlocked an important door ?

Great eye, and great heart! Lovely treasure hunt Nicola!!🇨🇦

Hi Nicola, how beautiful you look, wow you got some great finds and that pipe made your day. Love your round ups you get a full history lesson 👏 so looking forward to your next adventure. XX

Love your wildlife shots.

What great finds! Satisfying day out, I'd say.

Adorable squirrel! Great day in the muck!

Oh that squirrel is so cute !!! Love your work and i enjoy your vids. Thank you

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…..

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.

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!!!

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!

i love that you found the sign upside down . how neat is that !

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 🇺🇸❤️

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 🙏❣️

Always enjoy your videos. The finds and scenery plus music. New Zealand 🇳🇿

Another wonderful video. That the key to my heart Nicola sent to you. You are delightful!

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 :-)

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 ⚓️

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.

Thank you Nicola for a lovely and moving video. I am glad that you reminded us all about all of our fallen heroes.

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 🇺🇸

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!! 😂🤣💖👍

So glad I stayed to the end to meet your squirrel friend! Amazing story about your grandfather as well!

Love you Nicola!!! Thank you for maki g my sad day to be a bit brighter!

Amazing finds indeed. Thanks. Be well and stay safe.

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!

The squirrel will very soon figure out how to open the cat flap & come and help themselves to a nut! We have ducks that return every spring and knock on our back door to be fed as well as blue jays looking in the windows. Love nature! Lovely & interesting finds!🤎

Awesome finds - I really loved your Squirrel visitor!

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!

Another interesting video, and i am so glad i noticed the bit about the squirrel at the end, fantastic!!! That made my day. We used to have a blackbird that came and stared in the windows in the same way. If we didn't immediately go outside, he would go from window to window staring in. When we got to the back door he got so excited he would dive bomb the back door (Which has a large glass panel) We would have to go down to the shed and get some bird seed and mealworms for him (of course we didnt mind) while he stood on the shed door waiting. He did this for several years and then disappeared, i often think about him.

Again a video full of history what amazing finds. Your videos are so special thanks Nic

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.

I went to Greenshaw High School and badge had a big key like yours 😁 Great vid Nicola !

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?

These are the videos I like best, you, the Thames, and your trusty trowel.🇺🇸

First time viewer here . Your appreciation for these items is very satisfying to watch . That looks fun .