Mudlarking the River Thames - A Rare Find and A Voyage that ends in Despair

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Published 2022-03-06

Im sure everyone who is potty about mudlarking will agree that one of the magical things about this pastime is that a muddy old object which has been languishing in the mud for centuries can make history come alive. You just never know quite where it is going to lead you. A few months ago I was lucky enough to find a unique wax seal stamp marked with "Commodore Superintendent Woolwich". This wax seal stamp would have been used by the Commodore Superintendent of Woolwich Dockyard - a Senior Royal Navy Appointment which existed at Woolwich between 1828 and 1852. There were 5 of them. The last one was Captain Henry Eden. In all probability this would have been kept under lock and key and there would only have been one. What particularly excited me most was coming across correspondence between the Admiralty and the Commodore Superintendent's office, dated 1852 - in which the Admiralty wanted to check what colours the Erebus and Terror were painted when they were refitted out at Woolwich Dockyard in 1845 before they set off on their ill fated expedition to the Arctic lead by Sir John Frankin. This is because in 1851 two masts were spotted in the glaciers of Newfoundland and it was rather hoped that they could be the lost ships. Oliver Lang, the Master Shipwright of Woolwich who oversaw the refit of the ships & the Commodore Superintendent confirmed that the masts were painted white so it was not them. Despite several expeditions to try to solve the mystery of what happened to the ships it wasn't until 2014 when the Erebus was found and then 2016 the location of the Terror was also discovered. It wasn't until I found this little wax seal stamp that I discovered that the Erebus & Terror were refitted out with all the mod cons at Woolwich Dockyard including having their masts painted white. And I do wonder if this stamp sealed the letter which was sent to the Admiralty to confirm this. It certainly was special using this seal for the first time since probably Captain Henry Eden. My only regret is that I used pink sealing wax which was all I could get at short notice last week!! #mudlarking #mudlark #thamesfinds #erebusandterror #northwestpassage #woolwichdockyard

All Comments (21)

@nicolawhitemudlark 2 years ago

Thank you for watching this video. What a fascinating and intriguing expedition with so much to discover. If you are interested in seeing some of the artefacts which have been found in the wrecks of the Erebus and Terror then you may enjoy this link. Thank you to Heidi for sending me this:- www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/nu/epaveswrecks
@aq9714 2 years ago

Being Canadian, the story of Franklin we grew up learning. We found the Erebus in 2014 and the Terror in 2016! It took years for Canadians to listen to Inuit and their stories, as they knew where they went down and told the story to any who came, but being of European descent we did not realize the value of their oral history they told. So when they went looking they finally listened to the local people there and their stories. There is extensive video footage of the sunken ships. As a young child there was a book written titled "The Fate of Franklin". It is story in our history that we all grew up knowing. Franklins wife played an important role in continuing to look for her husband, at least that is what I remember. I love the items you find and the history you relate to the items! I am in the process of watching all your videos! Peace be with you and to the world!
@Aco747lyte 1 year ago

In all my years as a naval surgeon, to my shame I never found the time to discover much naval history. I'd come home on shore leave badly needing a rest, but it was only recently finding your channel that sparked my interest into researching naval history more deeply. Nicola, you are a tremendous historian! My daughters and I are learning much from your channel. Wishing you great finds and very happy days, ~Wendi 🌻
@dianeknott3655 1 year ago

Nicola, I love your history lessons! I love that you don't just take these objects home and push them into a drawer. You do research about them and give us a glimpse into the lives that would have been forgotten otherwise. So meaningful and respectful.
@janetf9076 2 years ago

I’m a 69 year old American and I thoroughly enjoy all the English history you teach❤️
@dr_steve 2 years ago

Not only did I really enjoy today's video and the fantastic assortment of finds, Nicola, but I greatly appreciate your thoughts and wishes for the unfortunate victims of the attack on Ukraine. Having gone from pestilence (Covid) to war in Europe, I agree that your sojourns on the Thames foreshore bring a few minutes of peace and escape, which are widely needed. Thank you for producing this very appreciated video, Nic!
@ceciliasims7374 2 years ago

I have to say, Nic, your comments at the end of this video were so touching, I was moved to tears. You bring so much to we subscribers, especially we who are no longer physically capable of going on mudlarking adventures to experience the thrill of the hunt & find. You bring us the history & nature as well as the gift of your personality. You give us a well needed escape of the current woes of the world which allow us a much needed respite from our own anxiety. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Returning the love you sent with best wishes for the future!
@aengusmacnaughton1375 2 years ago

"Unless there's a little person holding onto the other end..." Haha! Made me think of the legend of the Foreshore Fairies -- always trying to hide the finds before you see the find!
@pigoff123 2 years ago

My girlfriend in Poland told me there were over 100,000 refugees already in Poland. My mother and Aunt in Germany are having flashbacks to when they grew up in the war. Such sad days
@danellabarnes-penman1118 2 years ago

Your heartfelt comments regarding the unfortunate happening in the world right now epitomize just how beautiful you really are; thus why I look forward to your videos each Sunday in America… treasures notwithstanding! Blessings and much love and thanks to you! dbp
@mariadewey4369 2 years ago

You are a true artist, teacher and inspiration. May God continue gifting you with passion, health and time to share with us your discoveries. I join everyone, here in Costa Rica, with wishes of peace in Ukraine and the world. Thank you Nic. ❤️🇨🇷
@wenDesigner 2 years ago

The Nicola Zone! The most relaxing thing ever, to hear your voice, the waves and search the shoreline with you. Thank you!!
@jacquecaeser9078 2 years ago

Such kind words in re to the current war torn country. Touching. So caring. Wonderful channel you have. Glad I found it.
@whatsupchannel3047 2 years ago

So very interesting to learn the history as well as sad . Nicola you make an excellent teacher of mudlarking, so impressed with your research on your items. Anxiety is a burden many people suffer and to focus on something that gives peace to the mind is an excellent tonic and really works. Such a kind and caring person like yourself is also a tonic in today's world .
@annettefournier9655 2 years ago

Thank you Nicola. I find the sounds of the wind, water, rocky sand underfoot and rain very soothing from my warm bed. You are a hearty soul.
@sandylee9564 2 years ago

Geez, i have to say something again...I love the pitter patter of the rain and how you transitioned the current view into what would have been seen all those years ago..it was beautiful.
@mayhmmaydn 2 years ago

I could listen to you talk about history for hours. Your cinenmatography is so wonderful too...the waves in the background also soothing
@alexandermenzies9954 2 years ago

My g-g grandfather was visiting Hobart, Tasmania several weeks before Sir John Franklin (Governor of that colony) and his wife left for Britain and then soon after Sir John left for the NW passage. He entertained the couple aboard his own ship and according to g-g gf's journal it was a bright and happy afternoon. The sad news did not reach him until a year or two later. Your wonderful find, Nicola, has sparked a recollection of a far off meeting long, long ago.
@kimmylass100 2 years ago

A touching tribute Nicola, to those needlessly suffering in the World 😔 You brought a little peace again .. extracting pipes and finding fantastic artifacts. A great Video xx
@danpatch4751 2 years ago

Years ago I watched a documentary about the Franklin expedition. I can't imagine what they went through. How interesting to find the stamp that could have significance to the expedition. All really nice finds. Thanks for taking us along.