Beachcombing in a Medieval Castle Moat
Imagine if you were given the opportunity to go beachcombing in the drained moat of a medieval castle in Europe.
That once-in-a-lifetime chance was given to Jason Sandy and friends who were asked by the Museum of London and Historic Royal Palaces to conduct an archaeological survey of the moat surrounding the ancient Tower of London castle which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jason shared his experience mudlarking at the Tower of London at the 2022 Beachcombing Holiday Festival.
In preparation for the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in June 2022, the moat was partially excavated to install a new irrigation system to water the new “Superbloom” gardens consisting of 20 million wildflowers.
Jason gave a talk about his unique experience and showing us the extraordinary artifacts they found while searching the medieval moat. You won’t believe the incredible history they uncovered, which dates back to the Middle Ages!
Mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore requires a permit. Learn about rules for mudlarking in London ›
This talk was part of the 2022 Beachcombing Holiday Festival. Details and more ›
🎁 Giveaway
Thanks to everyone who asked a question or posted a comment during the Q&A following Jason's presentation. Congratulations to Leah, whose comment was randomly selected to receive one of the first autographed copies of Mudlarks: Treasures from the Thames by Jason Sandy. This coffee-table style book is over 300 pages long and is packed with over 500 color photos, illustrations, and artwork depicting the extraordinary artifacts found by mudlarks. Meet 33 of the mudlarks (including kids, adults, and veteran mudlarks) and read about their lives, passions, friendships, love, and adventures along the river.
Learn more about mudlarking
Learn more about the experiences of mudlarks, who search the shores of rivers, bays, and seas for historical finds and other objects. Articles ›
Learn more about the best beaches and destinations for sea and beach glass, seashells, fossils, rocks, and more beach finds around the world. Articles ›
Jason Sandy
Jason is an American architect and author who lives in London, England. Beachcombing along the muddy banks of the River Thames, he has found historic artifacts, some of which are now on permanent display in museums around the United Kingdom. He is a member of the exclusive Society of Thames Mudlarks, author of Mudlarks: Treasures from the Thames, and co-author of Thames Mudlarking: Searching for London’s Lost Treasures. Find Jason on Instagram @jasonmudlark. Articles ›
Thanks to the Beachcombing Club
Thank you to all the Beachcombing Club members, especially the Gold and Silver members who made this project possible. GOLD: Kristina Braga, Jodie Bushey, Lori Christofferson, Emma Claughton, Karen Cooper, Christine Crawford, Bryna Darling, Joanna Farrell, Madeleine Fontillas Ronk, Jodie Greene, Holly Hanau Koncz, Laurel Holubik, Terri Kirby Hathaway, Kimberly Jennings, Betty La Salla, Julie Lynn, Jennifer Matos, Anne Mauro, Joseph Murray, Ken Overly, Cynthia Raffaele, Jason Sandy, Svea Scholten, Tammy Schuetz Cook, Bernadette Skipper, Christine Solorio, Lala Stein, Angela Swartz, Becky Thielbar, Glenn Tolle. SILVER: Ginger Bowman, Joanne Blanchard, Marylyn Broomhall, Lynn Burress, Adrienne Creemers Van Dun, Karen Davis , Amy Dries, Christine Gavin , Debbie Kasyan, Brendan Keeley, Katherine Mullaney Wittig, Marie-Anne Norcross, Janice Piazza, Heike Schneider, Linda Schnell, Asheley Simpson, Diana Smith, Scott Smith, Janice Thomas, Kathy Tiffany, Elisa Turdo, Michelle Wilkes, Caryl Yaiser.
