On a mild Sunday morning along the north bank of the Thames near Wapping, the usual din of the city gives way to the gentle lapping of waves. Here, amidst the tranquil riverside, 14-year-old schoolgirl and author Emmylou Vaxby engages in a fascinating pastime that has captured her imagination for nearly a decade: mudlarking. As a seasoned forager of historical artefacts on the riverbank, she spends her low-tide excursions unearthing fragments of London's vibrant past.
Training the Eye for Historical Treasures
Walking slowly over the silt and rocks exposed by the receding tide, Emmylou teaches others how to 'train the eye' for hidden treasure. The process requires getting close to the ground—an area where younger explorers naturally excel—and scanning the foreshore for anything that stands out with a unique color or texture. During one such walk, the duo stumbled upon a mud-brown bone, likely belonging to a sheep, dog, or cow from centuries past, serving as a tangible reminder of the river's rich and sometimes turbulent history.
Emmylou's impressive knowledge extends across tidal science, local history, and the everyday objects left behind by ancestors. Her journey into this unique hobby began around age five or six when a friend's mother introduced her to the east London foreshore to look for pottery and glass. The pursuit blossomed into a true passion during lockdown, inspiring her to document her discoveries through a blog, social media channels, and eventually, a published guide on mudlarking.
Core Takeaways from a Young Historian's Journey
- Early Beginnings: Started mudlarking at age five or six and turned a childhood curiosity into a deep expertise.
- Published Author: Wrote an entire book, A Guide to Mudlarking on the River Thames, during her school summer holidays.
- Environmental Advocacy: Founded the Wapping Plastic-Free Community and actively organizes regular riverbank clean-ups.
- Mindful Passion: Uses mudlarking as a calming, meditative escape from the stresses of everyday school life.
Environmental Stewardship and Mindful Exploration
Beyond her passion for historical discovery, Emmylou is deeply committed to protecting the environment. In 2021, she founded the Wapping Plastic-Free Community through Surfers Against Sewage after witnessing a swan mistake plastic for food. Today, she organizes regular riverbank clean-ups and collaborates with local litter-picking groups to keep the Thames clean.
For Emmylou, mudlarking offers much more than just the thrill of discovery; it is a restorative, meditative practice that provides a peaceful break from academic pressures. Whether she uncovers an 18th-century tobacco pipe bowl crafted by a local pipemaker or simply enjoys the quiet rhythm of the river, her journey stands as a wonderful testament to curiosity, self-reliance, and a deep, inspiring connection to the past.
