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In celebration of the Design Museum’s new exhibition on mudlarking on the Thames, we’re shining a light on some of the extraordinary unearthed treasures that have passed through our hands at Berganza, each one offering a rare, tangible link to the lives and loves of those who came before.
Mudlarking, once a desperate trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, has evolved into a regulated, archaeological pursuit. Today’s mudlarks, licensed by the Port of London Authority, carefully search the Thames foreshore for fragments of the past.
Tudor dress fittings, Roman coins, and Medieval trinkets lost to time are all among those pieces found. Items over 300 years old must be reported under the Treasure Act and documented by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, helping historians to reconstruct the fabric of everyday life through the centuries.
Of the many historical jewels we have handled, just one was discovered directly on the Thames foreshore: a post medieval gold skull ring, dating to 1676. Engraved with the inscription “R W Esqr ob 9 Dec 76,” it served as a memento mori, reminding its wearer of life’s transience. Preserved for centuries in river mud, it was later documented by the British Museum (PAS Ref: LON-82B904, Treasure Ref: 2009T92).
More recently, an exquisite Tudor diamond and enamel ring was unearthed in East Sussex and joined our collection. Dating between 1550–1650, it features a table cut diamond, delicate white enamel, and scrolling vine shoulders.
Crafted from high carat gold, possibly in France, it hints at noble ownership and was found in a region once visited by Henry VIII and the Duke of Norfolk. This piece is recorded under PAS (Ref: SUSS-EEFEA6, Treasure Ref: 2023T531).(29318)
Another remarkable find is the post medieval posy ring, engraved with the vow: “BE TRV TIL DEATHE AND SO SHAL I.” Such rings were exchanged as intimate tokens of affection. This example, found in a Yorkshire garden, is a striking example of enduring sentiment and craftsmanship.(PAS Ref: YORYM-7CD0D7, Treasure Ref: 2023T41) (29151)
We believe these are not simply artefacts; they are living heirlooms. Whether it’s a Roman intaglio, a Viking band, or a medieval fede ring, these pieces were made to be worn and cherished. They continue to tell stories, passed from one hand to another, across centuries.
So, if you’re tempted to try your luck with a metal detector or brave the muddy banks of the Thames, we wish you the best of finds. We warmly invite you to Berganza, where the treasures have already been found, expertly documented, and are ready to be worn again.
