After reading Lara Maiklem’s book ‘Mudlarking’ about her finds on the shores of the Thames I have joined the local group of mudlarkers who beachcomb Thanet’s shores. My own finds are mostly from the area around Nayland Rock, a very productive patch of chalk and flint beach at low tide. Clay pipes, ceramics and fossils, bottles, flint and old ship timbers all abound. Most of mine are from 1994-2010. It seemed that I had the whole patch to myself for many years and now traditional mudlarking has become a more serious pastime. As a result I see many more people down there and we share our finds online. I’m tempted to assemble a dedicated site or page since I’ve accumulated a fair amount.
Clay pipes of various dates. The top left one is about 1605.
This is quite a rare bottle from Reeve and Co. Mid 19thC ?
Margate Jetty was destroyed in storms during the 1970’s. The Paddle steamers used to moor there for day trippers.
Adrian Day Illustration 