This rare historical treasure has been covered in mud for centuries. Mudlarking the River Thames

People say why do you need a license to go mudlarking? Every mudlark needs a permit to be able to scavenge along a river foreshore. For the Thames, this is because it’s owned by the Port of London Authority and the Crown. Permits are available to buy online and cost £90 for three years. You’ll also receive maps with your permit telling you where you can and can’t mudlark. In London, for example, there are certain areas on the north bank of the river around St Pauls where you can’t scrape the sur