If someone handed me that dish out of context, I would have presumed it was just a modern saucer for a terracotta pot and placed it under one of my plants 😂
As an archaeologist up here in Scotland, I just want to congratulate you on dealing with that situation so well. Hopefully you passed on find site details in case there is a grave or graves that could be excavated. Well done both of you.
Yes she did say she had given the coordinates and that the area is now out of bounds for mudlarking, if I heard and read in the comments elsewhere all correctly.
I'm a trained potter who hasn't had a studio in quite a while. As part of my journey I've also done some glass blowing and silver smithing, but ceramics always stays closest to my heart. So you can imagine how I enjoyed this! The fact that so many pottery finds have really informed us about our civilizations in the past is fascinating. The fact that these single fired wares have held up against time thanks to clay mud from which pottery is also made is humbling and amazing. The craftmanship and functionality of these old pieces is amazing. I was particularly impressed by the fine curvature and elegantly turned foot of the Samian plate. Smartly stamped on the serving side of it too by the maker, realizing of course that food is served already plated and dirty plates are never turned over at the table, so that's a real marketing strategy right there! I see these Samian plates often have a very deliberate little upward peak in the center. I'm SO curious as to why. Today that's usually a sign of a young amateur thrower (it's clearly thrown on a wheel btw) but in the case of these it's also clearly intentional as they are extremely well finished, which is a post throwing dicipline unto itself. On the bottom side it's also clear this choice is echoed, there's an upward identation. This is sometimes a choice in Asian teaware, especially chawan for teaceremonies as the way these are performed is in an exact ritual of gestures and administration by women with small hands. It facilitates the one handed holding of the dish, a finger or two in that center stabilizing the grip, the other hand turns the chalice thrice from the opposing side of yhe body of the vessel. Theorizing using this information, tgis detail may in fact support the idea that this type of small plate is actually for ceremonial purposes, and not for dining. Anything wet put on such a plate would run out to the perimeter of it. The size also suggests it might be ment to be held in a single hand, and the small amphora in the other, being of perfect size, and for a one handed grip also given a very practical handle. Any liquid poured out of the amphora onto the plate would with the peaked bottom swirl in circles at the slightest gesture. Just like tea in Japan. It's just a thought, informed only by my pottery experience, but if burials involved these two pieces it's not far fetched to imagine they also played a part in the burial ceremony itself to symbolize the circle of life and death, the human vessels last breath, the oils or wine of sustenace given to send them off, or some form of last anointing happening. Anointing and blessing remains of the dead with oils and water is many thousands of years older than Christianity. Those two vessels together really are like a summary of all human existance. I find the shapes and dimensions, the careful curvature and finishings so human and moving. The words we use for pottery shapes echo the human vessel. We speak of necks and shoulders. The foot, the lip, sometimes ear is used for handles (in some languages). Ceramic pots since the dawn of humans have held the water of life, the wine, kept the dry goods dry, kept pickled and salted goods free of contaminations; they've been our pots for cooking in the fire, kept clean through fire, and the last resting place for our bones and ashes though time. It's just increbly remarkable that you can stumble on such a find at the riverside like this in our age, or on a walk on a hillside of any meditteranean island, if you have the eye to actually see it. I hope the museum does what they claim they will. I know in many countries there's simply not resources enough put aside to follow through on all public finds and they'd rather peoplr just left things alone and stopped poking about. Unfortunately. Because exactly like you say, it can be only a matter of weeks before it's all washed away and broken to sherds, any potential bones scattered, and the world would miss out on the opportunity to see and learn from these ancient objects of hand made beauty. Please keep an eye out on that specific site to see if your find is followed up on, the site protected. You are skilled in your method of retrieval, and that makes all the difference! If nobody acts on this site within reasonable time I'd go back if I were you. Letting things literally go to waste isn't reasonable. Any possible human remains from this far back are not generally treated with sanctity by archeologists, but retrieved are at least carefully carbon dated, sorted and put in a drawer somewhere. At best. If it's a roman burial site and not protected, visibly sealed off out of bounds or even examined closer, simply ignoring the site serves no purpose whatsoever. Whatver remains will be destroyed nonetheless as its now subject to the elements again. Thank you for sharing this whole process with us! I look forward to an update on this. I'd really love to get my hands on a few pounds of that protective shoreside clay and see if it would make good potting clay! It's not unlikely it's a match for the pottery you found there after a little old school processing! Marvelous! Congratulations! ❤️
Someone said, "the Romans loved their sauces" -- as do Italians today. I wonder if the 'crown' in the base of the plate was intentional, to direct any sauces to the outside edge. To be mopped up with bread. Just a thought.
I got a little chuckle imagining someone from ancient times being told that thousands of years from now people would be so excited by a (disposable) jug! I imagine they would think that we have all lost our minds in the future. I imagine it to be like being told today that people would be so excited to find a red solo cup! 😆 The jug and plate are such amazing finds! Well done!
Basically the same as those Stanley cups people collect and pay hundreds of dollars for! lol. But really, anything that's old and rare is likely valuable, regardless of what it is.
2000 years old. Haha! I live in western Canada, where anything from before 1900 is a museum piece. Can't imagine just picking up a bunch of pieces of perfect Roman stuff on the beach, taking it to a museum and going about my day. Bless. XD
I was just heading for bed here in the USA when I saw you had a new post and thought I'll just watch a few minutes and catch the rest in the morning... well... couldn't possibly have turned that off! Just a wonderful adventure I can now dream about. Thank you for sharing your excitement and those extraordinary finds with your many fans. 🏺
I was just as excited. 'could have sat there for hours hoping it wouldn't disappear before my eyes. Taking lots and lots of photos. Then would have fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion
Congratulations, Nicola! How fantastic for you to find not one, but TWO perfectly intact, whole Roman artifacts! That is simply amazing! I'm so happy for you!
My word, I wonder if the Roman las or chap who tossed that into the river had any idea 2000 years later a lovely lady of the 21st century would be pulling it out for us modern day people to see? How extraordinary! Cheers
As some are consumed by the future, there are those of us fascinated by the past. This episode, in particular, has caused me to want to be in London for the Totally Thames Festival. I recently learned of other lost rivers in and around London and I am not certain a single month is enough time to explore. Of course, I cannot come so I will depend on your channel for highlights. And quite possibly you may produce a video on a lost river or two? Thank you, Nicola, for this labor! Yes, I am a proud American. But also proud of my English roots.
Anne Johnson and Sef Townsend have compiled 'London's River Tales' a book of traditional tales that includes tales of the lost rivers of London put out by History Press. It was written for children but has a lot for everyone.
Nicola...just may I say Wow!!...as a Land Surveyor in America I've stumbled upon arrow heads...fossilized sharks teeth and old bottles...to name a few..to think that you find Roman Artifacts is just mind boggling to me ...and it makes me want to journey to England and look!..your passion and excitement is palpable!!...I grew up in the Bahamas when it was a British Colony and has British Teachers!...I'd just love to do this!! Thank you for what you do!!
Always amazed how the earth protects these items. Fishy custard, hmm, think I’ll give that one a miss! The Roman finds, wow, stunning, the Samian plate is perfect, so excited for you both
How very fortunate for us all that you were the finder. I’m always so very impressed with the care you take and your ethics. Thank you for sharing these precious finds with us all and making sure they will be preserved for posterity. Please do keep us updated should you receive any updates on excavation of the site.
Oh my giddy Aunt!! What absolutely extraordinary finds! So exciting, this whole episode made me smile from ear to ear. Well done and thank you Nicola for taking us along xx Teresa 🇦🇺❤
The soil around the the pot and dish is distinct from the surrounding soil. I can't help Hut wonder if they're grave goods. I'm gobsmacked! What an incredible find!
At 18:07, what is the object to the left of the screen, at about the same height as your head? Looking at the site from a wider angle, it looks like a hole was dug at that spot to bury the objects. I suspect they were intentionally buried. I'm no archeologist, but even to a layman, it seems pretty clearly like a deliberate burial site, for the objects if not a body. Perhaps it was intended as a cache of goods, meant to be retrieved if needed, but left and forgotten? It's wonderful to speculate!
Oh, I was hoping you did keep the "vegetable matter" from the plate. If it was originally left in the dish, perhaps carbon dating will yield a more specific date of burial!
@@nicolawhitemudlark That's awesome. Amazing video. I always enjoy your videos, but this was next level. I commented before I finished the video, and hadn't yet seen the part where you talked about preserving the material. I REALLY hope we get to learn more about it, later. Keep up the great work!
I thought of you and your fabulous finds the other day when I was researching an ancestor who tragically died on the 3rd Sept 1878 when the pleasure steamer SS Princess Alice collided with the Bywell Castle coal ship on the Thames. Around 650 men, women and children lost their lives. Absolutely dreadful and there are no words really. On reading newspaper reports at the time many many personal posessions were never recovered. My own ancestor had a silver cup with him. I would hope that many little treasures and personal items have now been recovered by lovely mudlarkers. So much history in the Thames.
@@nicolawhitemudlark Ooo I shall definitely watch this. My ancestor was Frederick William Boncey, Chief Steward on the ship, he and his team provided the refreshments and looked after the passengers. Apparently he had just sat down to a game of whist with some passengers when the ships collided. He was in his 30's and left 5 children.
This is the very reason I watch these videos. I could get lost for days in the history you bring back to life. Outstanding finds that it'll be saved forever thanks to your skills and professionalism
Absolutely brilliant, amazing pieces of history. I love watching all your finds, but these are the top of the list. Keep searching, can’t wait to see what you find next. May you be blessed.
Your excitement was so deep and sincere that sharing it brought me, much to my surprise, to the edge of tears. You and David created a very real connection of shared humanity with the maker, your viewers and the gracious interests of your partnership in this very special discovery. Thank you for making history so meaningful and alive.
That is absolutely incredible! I mean to find the Roman pot fully in tact but also a perfect plate right with it! I am a arrowhead hunter, metal detector and general relic hunter. I have great finds over 40 years but my God! A full perfect Roman pot and plate! I'm floored!
Hi, Nicola. Susan from Shelburne here. I was so excited to watch today's video!! I kept stopping it to make my husband watch! I can just imagine how thrilled you were as each item was gradually revealed. I've always thought it would be wonderful to have the ability to touch an item and know who the last owner was (or maybe, on second thought, not always a good thing!). Still, you can imagine the grieving widow placing the items by her husband. Anyway, I'm thrilled for you, and enjoyed it vicariously!
OMG Nicola! Amazingly fantastic finds.... I watch Time Team and I was wondering if those Roman pots were part of a burial offering, it looks like most of the grave has been washed away and with it the occupant. The substance in the dish may be some sort of offering that would be amazing wouldn't it! ❤️
Amazing that these finds still turn up and that you were able to save them. It will be interesting to know if the Archaeologist find out more about the area they were found.
Nicola, you deserve to find the pot. All the hours you’ve put in - your 10,000 which makes you an expert- you really do deserve to find something so precious and interesting. I’m so happy for you and David. All of a sudden I was terribly worried how you were going to get them home. I was thinking about them. They look like the remains of a Roman picnic. A bottle of wine and a dish of nibbles. They left them behind as rubbish, worthless. But in what other circumstances can you say ” I must get poo’d on more often” and everyone nods in agreement? Fantastic video☺️🌸☺️
Your videos are wonderful! I wish I could get muddy along with you, but sorry to say I must live vicariously through your filming instead! So thank you for bringing me along visually on your larking expeditions! I've always been interested in British archeology and will never have the chance to take part. I'm so grateful for all of you who do this and share your experiences with us!! Always informative with so much eye candy!! Great finds in this one!
I got strong Time Team vibes from this episode! Expected Tony Robinson to pop info view at any moment when you excevated that Roman pot. 😂 Absolute bonkers that both the pot and the plate are perfectly intact after so much time 😳.
Fan-bloody-tastic episode. I lived in London 1975 - 78. Spent a lot of time walking the Thames banks. If only I knew about the contents of the mud then! Yes we in Oz have some of the best beaches in the world but one can spend a life time of beach combing and find only plastic waste from passing ships. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations Nicola and David! Amazing history saved just in time! Another excellent save was the glass bead. Wonderful video, I'm so happy for you and David...what a stellar day!
Well, the amphora and plate were still exciting finds! I suspected they'd go to the museum, but you know they will be preserved. The European drought is supposed to bring rivers , including the Thames, down to lower levels than they have been since the 1600s. Who knows what may be found then. There is a drought in the south west causing Lake Meade to go dry and all the skeletons of people killed by the Mob in Las Vegas are all over the news. I have broken apart .303 rounds and the cordite in them looks like short lengths of uncooked spaghetti noodles. It is yellow too! That Roman denarius is awesome! I think you will see some more spectacular finds before the drought ends. 😊👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
So similar to what is happening in the far north in Canada and other northern countries. With the ice melting the rate of archaeological finds is exploding. So important not only for the archaeologists and other experts but also the native cultures these finds often originate from. In Canada this is helping the native cultures reawaken pride and knowledge of their past in the new generations.
Did anyone else gasp/shout when she lifted the amphora up by its handle alone at 16:32? Beautiful finds, for sure. Must have been amazing to liberate them from their entombment.
This for you can only be described as a red letter day - a day you will struggle to surpass, and undoubtable will never forget. Utterly utterly fantastically brilliantly fabulous - and I don't think there is anyone else in the World that deserves this more than you - congratulations!
They were in such perfect condition, to be able to learn so much about them, with the contents they contain. To learn the age and name of the maker was amazing. The story to come will be awesome. Great vid. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
What an amazing day! I know you cannot lark at that area until the antiquities people finish investigating, but I hope that they allow you to come and observe. I think we all would love to see that and it would make an amazing video!
Aloha from Hawaii, David Hume from London, now living in a tropical paradise on the Big Island. I have watched a lot of your videos, love em, thank you so much. This episode was epic. I used to work in central London and would sometimes go down to the 'mud' on my lunch breaks. I never found anything as epic as you have but I loved the feeling there, like walking in time. Thanks again Nicola.
Ivor Hume’s “If These Pots” illustration 1.21 shows a similar Samian being used upside down, as a lid on a burial urn. Dated slightly later than yours.
I'm not sure if I've seen a bigger smile on your face, I couldn't be happier for you! It even gave me chills watching you carefully extract the two incredible finds. Serious museum quality finds, congratulations!!!💖😄👍🤗🥰I would let a flock of geese poo on me if it brought me that kind of luck, hopefully David also had some of that good luck.
As a New Zealander, I'm soooo envious of you, Nicola! Everywhere you look in the UK. there seems to be "Roman this" or "Roman that". So cool! If you mudlark in NZ, the most you'll probably find is a beer bottle from the 1970s!
Hi Nicola am so made up I came across you on you tube, your mudlarking videos are so so amazing and informative and I just can't get enough of them, and you are such an amazing important person aswell as all the other mudlarkers a BIG THANKS TO YOU NICOLA,.I deffo will donate
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! Those Roman artifacts are definitely the find of a lifetime! Well done! Please do keep us updated on further information about them as you receive it. Greetings and hugs, best wishes from Oregon.
Fascinating! I love that you give us a mini history lesson with your finds. I’m too old to go digging in the mud, but appreciate, so much, that you take us with you.
I can just imagine an roman soldier/merchant sitting down for a meal and getting rushed away only for his lunch to be found 2000 years later where it was left sitting. Amazing find and video as always.
Just amazing finds. I know native Americans put food with their dead so they wouldn't go hungry on their journey. I'm wondering if Roman's did the same thing. How fortunate you and David were to be able to hold such history in your hands. Congratulations!!!
I think a lot of cultures around the world have had similar burial customs. Adding different “necessities “ for the deceased person to take on their journey to the next world. Food, weapons, even their trusty stead’s. (Check out what was in the tomb with king Tut).
Miraculous finds! It was stunning when you said the museum person said they are probably part of a burial, on top of being Roaman and Samian and intact, and gorgeous. Kudos to you and David!!!
Congratulations Nicola on such a significant and exciting find. What I find even more exciting than the makers mark, is the ancient contents of the bowl. It may have been their last meal, preserved in time. WOW!!!
I can't think of anyone more deserving to have made these discoveries. Well done Nicola❣ David is right, that Samian plate looks as if it were made yesterday.
Nicola, I love your videos as well as your passion for history! I mudlark in Oklahoma finding some cool stuff. However, no comparison here. You truly save history! Fantastic job to the both of you! Congratulations!
Wow,just wow, wow, did i say wow? I mean utterly astonishing , every bottle diggers,mud larkers, metal detectors and treasure hunters dream just perfectly displayed and exposed on a clayside begging to be retrieved and loved furthermore accommodated by a lovely dish, my word , * ( I literally had a heart attack when you held the jug by the handle) I can't believe that survived the tide exposed so long judging by the circular erosion in the clay exposing the jug, absolutely marvellous find, so glad you found it!
Someone had a picnic and left in a hurry ! My home is St Albans so I grew up fascinated by the wonderful finds from Roman Britain. Good for you ! Thanks for the breathtaking video !
Amazing, Nichola, what an extraordinary day. Those are the finds you dream of. So exciting, I was on the edge of my seat and cheered and clapped when it came out whole, and the Samian plate looked almost new. To think we can find our information on tradesmen from that era, totally remarkable. History makers on all levels. Thank you Nichola, Sundays aren't the same without you and your historical finds and the snippets of natural history you share each week x mudlark extraordinaire x
Oh my goodness that just made my day, it was so exciting! To find them both intact too! As David said, that samian plate looked as if it had been just made! Absolutely amazing, my favourite episode so far!
Congratulations miss nicola White I do believe its one of your personal golden bucket list finds very pleased for you. I hope you find many, many more in your near future godblss
Hello Nicola, I am completely in awe of your experience. I am so glad you found those and were able to safely excavate and take them to the museum people. I could see the excitement, happiness, and awe on your face. I also hope that is not a burial ground so you can go back hunting more in that area and get them into museums, I am glad you have the integrity to report all of your ancient finds. Your friend looked like he was having a great time as well. You are a wonderful representative of the UK. Every time I watch a video of yours, I want to have the good health to visit the islands and go mudlarking. I live in the states, Washington state to be precise, so I can find lots of fossils, but most dumps are more current than yours, and we definitely don't have all of the Roman shards. Please stay safe out there on the mud flats and in the mountains. Anastasia
Congratulations! I could see you almost exploding with excitement when you found that pot, then double joy with finding that Samian plate/dish. Well done, you deserve good finds and you always respect the history if them too. Thank you so much for sharing this video 💕🇦🇺
Congratulations on the Grand Slam as we would say in fishing; a triple header of 3 Amazing Roman artefacts. Interested to hear any follow up from your Finds Officer. Well done! I could feel your excitement!!
'fish custard'? You're not selling it Nicola. Congratulations on your finds. In all the years I watched Time Team, I don't think they ever found anything as complete as that, not one but two things! Well done.
Thank you for bringing your very special finds to the museum! I'm very interested in history and must say that you are very fortunate to be mudlarking in Europe. I live in the US and get excited about items that I find here. I can't imagine what it would be like to find treasures from Roman days!! I haven't tried mudlarking yet. I find my treasures along the beach at low tide. You inspire me!
If someone handed me that dish out of context, I would have presumed it was just a modern saucer for a terracotta pot and placed it under one of my plants 😂
Oh no! 😀
As an archaeologist up here in Scotland, I just want to congratulate you on dealing with that situation so well. Hopefully you passed on find site details in case there is a grave or graves that could be excavated. Well done both of you.
Thank you very much
Yes she did say she had given the coordinates and that the area is now out of bounds for mudlarking, if I heard and read in the comments elsewhere all correctly.
That is so exciting. I got excited just by their excitement.
@@louisegogel7973 Love that.
@@louisegogel7973 Hey does that mean, she can down in history for finding this site?
The intact Roman pieces were simply mind blowing! Hard to wrap your mind around the age, and such fine workmanship!
I know incredible to find them uncovered like that.
The history of the UK goes so far back and the richness of ancient artifacts that still can be found today is amazing
Was anyone else holding their breath as Nicola dug it out??? What a beautiful find! Congratulations!
If you were holding your breath thru all of the excavation of half of the jug from the sticky clay you passed out before seeing the final event!
A burial offering?
You know what? When you first found the pottery I thought gravesite! I don't know why, it just was a feeling, thought....💥🙌❇❇
Hi 👋 how are you doing?
I'm a trained potter who hasn't had a studio in quite a while. As part of my journey I've also done some glass blowing and silver smithing, but ceramics always stays closest to my heart. So you can imagine how I enjoyed this! The fact that so many pottery finds have really informed us about our civilizations in the past is fascinating. The fact that these single fired wares have held up against time thanks to clay mud from which pottery is also made is humbling and amazing. The craftmanship and functionality of these old pieces is amazing. I was particularly impressed by the fine curvature and elegantly turned foot of the Samian plate. Smartly stamped on the serving side of it too by the maker, realizing of course that food is served already plated and dirty plates are never turned over at the table, so that's a real marketing strategy right there! I see these Samian plates often have a very deliberate little upward peak in the center. I'm SO curious as to why. Today that's usually a sign of a young amateur thrower (it's clearly thrown on a wheel btw) but in the case of these it's also clearly intentional as they are extremely well finished, which is a post throwing dicipline unto itself. On the bottom side it's also clear this choice is echoed, there's an upward identation. This is sometimes a choice in Asian teaware, especially chawan for teaceremonies as the way these are performed is in an exact ritual of gestures and administration by women with small hands. It facilitates the one handed holding of the dish, a finger or two in that center stabilizing the grip, the other hand turns the chalice thrice from the opposing side of yhe body of the vessel. Theorizing using this information, tgis detail may in fact support the idea that this type of small plate is actually for ceremonial purposes, and not for dining. Anything wet put on such a plate would run out to the perimeter of it. The size also suggests it might be ment to be held in a single hand, and the small amphora in the other, being of perfect size, and for a one handed grip also given a very practical handle. Any liquid poured out of the amphora onto the plate would with the peaked bottom swirl in circles at the slightest gesture. Just like tea in Japan.
It's just a thought, informed only by my pottery experience, but if burials involved these two pieces it's not far fetched to imagine they also played a part in the burial ceremony itself to symbolize the circle of life and death, the human vessels last breath, the oils or wine of sustenace given to send them off, or some form of last anointing happening. Anointing and blessing remains of the dead with oils and water is many thousands of years older than Christianity.
Those two vessels together really are like a summary of all human existance.
I find the shapes and dimensions, the careful curvature and finishings so human and moving.
The words we use for pottery shapes echo the human vessel. We speak of necks and shoulders. The foot, the lip, sometimes ear is used for handles (in some languages). Ceramic pots since the dawn of humans have held the water of life, the wine, kept the dry goods dry, kept pickled and salted goods free of contaminations; they've been our pots for cooking in the fire,
kept clean through fire, and the last resting place for our bones and ashes though time.
It's just increbly remarkable that you can stumble on such a find at the riverside like this in our age, or on a walk on a hillside of any meditteranean island, if you have the eye to actually see it.
I hope the museum does what they claim they will. I know in many countries there's simply not resources enough put aside to follow through on all public finds and they'd rather peoplr just left things alone and stopped poking about. Unfortunately.
Because exactly like you say, it can be only a matter of weeks before it's all washed away and broken to sherds, any potential bones scattered, and the world would miss out on the opportunity to see and learn from these ancient objects of hand made beauty. Please keep an eye out on that specific site to see if your find is followed up on, the site protected.
You are skilled in your method of retrieval, and that makes all the difference! If nobody acts on this site within reasonable time I'd go back if I were you. Letting things literally go to waste isn't reasonable. Any possible human remains from this far back are not generally treated with sanctity by archeologists, but retrieved are at least carefully carbon dated, sorted and put in a drawer somewhere. At best. If it's a roman burial site and not protected, visibly sealed off out of bounds or even examined closer, simply ignoring the site serves no purpose whatsoever. Whatver remains will be destroyed nonetheless as its now subject to the elements again.
Thank you for sharing this whole process with us! I look forward to an update on this.
I'd really love to get my hands on a few pounds of that protective shoreside clay and see if it would make good potting clay! It's not unlikely it's a match for the pottery you found there after a little old school processing!
Marvelous! Congratulations! ❤️
Someone said, "the Romans loved their sauces" -- as do Italians today. I wonder if the 'crown' in the base of the plate was intentional, to direct any sauces to the outside edge. To be mopped up with bread. Just a thought.
Thank you for writing and posting. I have enjoyed reading it.
Sunday morning coffee and mudlarking with Nicola!!! What could be better? 🥰
Actually HAVING Sunday morning coffee, AND mudlarking with Nicola...LOL! 😁
@@Momma1923 oh my gosh that’s so true haha!!
And a sedative!! For when the treasures are spotted and we want to help pluck them out of the mud, but cant
I got a little chuckle imagining someone from ancient times being told that thousands of years from now people would be so excited by a (disposable) jug! I imagine they would think that we have all lost our minds in the future. I imagine it to be like being told today that people would be so excited to find a red solo cup! 😆
The jug and plate are such amazing finds! Well done!
Basically the same as those Stanley cups people collect and pay hundreds of dollars for! lol.
But really, anything that's old and rare is likely valuable, regardless of what it is.
I was holding my breath. You have reach legendary level in mudlark history.
Congratulations on your fabulous finds. You gave them the utmost respect. What a day. David is a lucky charm. We'll done both of you.
Hi how are you doing?
@@Godwinpounds4333 I'm very well thank you. In Australia atm visiting family.
@@dianesnowflake I’m glad you’re doing well, it’s nice meeting with you here. I’m from Florida USA. How do you mean by that?
I nearly had a heart attack when you found the first pot! The plate added a ton of icing-just so sweet! Beyond a bucket list day!
It's a small miracle that the two vessels hadn't smashed into each other despite being so close.
David is an excellent spotter! You had better take him along more often.
yes absolutely right!
@@nicolawhitemudlark marry him
2000 years old. Haha! I live in western Canada, where anything from before 1900 is a museum piece. Can't imagine just picking up a bunch of pieces of perfect Roman stuff on the beach, taking it to a museum and going about my day. Bless. XD
I was just heading for bed here in the USA when I saw you had a new post and thought I'll just watch a few minutes and catch the rest in the morning... well... couldn't possibly have turned that off! Just a wonderful adventure I can now dream about. Thank you for sharing your excitement and those extraordinary finds with your many fans. 🏺
I love Nicola's excitement over finding that gorgeous vessel. I'm so happy for her!
I was just as excited. 'could have sat there for hours hoping it wouldn't disappear before my eyes. Taking lots and lots of photos. Then would have fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion
I was so happy for Sean as he found that arrowhead. A work of neolithic art in itself, what a find!
Congratulations, Nicola! How fantastic for you to find not one, but TWO perfectly intact, whole Roman artifacts! That is simply amazing! I'm so happy for you!
In all my years as archaeologist never have I found such a item intact
My word, I wonder if the Roman las or chap who tossed that into the river had any idea 2000 years later a lovely lady of the 21st century would be pulling it out for us modern day people to see? How extraordinary!
Cheers
As some are consumed by the future, there are those of us fascinated by the past. This episode, in particular, has caused me to want to be in London for the Totally Thames Festival. I recently learned of other lost rivers in and around London and I am not certain a single month is enough time to explore. Of course, I cannot come so I will depend on your channel for highlights. And quite possibly you may produce a video on a lost river or two? Thank you, Nicola, for this labor! Yes, I am a proud American. But also proud of my English roots.
Anne Johnson and Sef Townsend have compiled 'London's River Tales' a book of traditional tales that includes tales of the lost rivers of London put out by History Press. It was written for children but has a lot for everyone.
Incredible history preserved! Thank you for doing what you do Nicole and for taking us along on the hunt!
These videos of yours are just delightful
I'm so delighted you enjoy them ❤️
Congratulations, Nicola! When you held up that pot I was ready to cry!
Nicola...just may I say Wow!!...as a Land Surveyor in America I've stumbled upon arrow heads...fossilized sharks teeth and old bottles...to name a few..to think that you find Roman Artifacts is just mind boggling to me ...and it makes me want to journey to England and look!..your passion and excitement is palpable!!...I grew up in the Bahamas when it was a British Colony and has British Teachers!...I'd just love to do this!! Thank you for what you do!!
Thank you Bud!
Always amazed how the earth protects these items. Fishy custard, hmm, think I’ll give that one a miss! The Roman finds, wow, stunning, the Samian plate is perfect, so excited for you both
The Doctor likes fish fingers and custard…
@@erinmcgrathejm4985 yes, Matt Smith’s Dr?
How very fortunate for us all that you were the finder. I’m always so very impressed with the care you take and your ethics. Thank you for sharing these precious finds with us all and making sure they will be preserved for posterity. Please do keep us updated should you receive any updates on excavation of the site.
Thank you Vonda
Oh my giddy Aunt!! What absolutely extraordinary finds! So exciting, this whole episode made me smile from ear to ear. Well done and thank you Nicola for taking us along xx Teresa 🇦🇺❤
Well said. Whatta a thrill she gave us from something that might have otherwise simply lost forever. Nice that you got it too.
The soil around the the pot and dish is distinct from the surrounding soil. I can't help Hut wonder if they're grave goods. I'm gobsmacked! What an incredible find!
At 18:07, what is the object to the left of the screen, at about the same height as your head?
Looking at the site from a wider angle, it looks like a hole was dug at that spot to bury the objects. I suspect they were intentionally buried. I'm no archeologist, but even to a layman, it seems pretty clearly like a deliberate burial site, for the objects if not a body. Perhaps it was intended as a cache of goods, meant to be retrieved if needed, but left and forgotten? It's wonderful to speculate!
Oh, I was hoping you did keep the "vegetable matter" from the plate. If it was originally left in the dish, perhaps carbon dating will yield a more specific date of burial!
@@alden1132 I put it in a container and gave it to the Museum
Yes grave goods
@@nicolawhitemudlark That's awesome. Amazing video. I always enjoy your videos, but this was next level. I commented before I finished the video, and hadn't yet seen the part where you talked about preserving the material. I REALLY hope we get to learn more about it, later. Keep up the great work!
I thought of you and your fabulous finds the other day when I was researching an ancestor who tragically died on the 3rd Sept 1878 when the pleasure steamer SS Princess Alice collided with the Bywell Castle coal ship on the Thames. Around 650 men, women and children lost their lives. Absolutely dreadful and there are no words really. On reading newspaper reports at the time many many personal posessions were never recovered. My own ancestor had a silver cup with him. I would hope that many little treasures and personal items have now been recovered by lovely mudlarkers. So much history in the Thames.
I did a video about the princess alice last year or the year before actually xx
@@nicolawhitemudlark Ooo I shall definitely watch this. My ancestor was Frederick William Boncey, Chief Steward on the ship, he and his team provided the refreshments and looked after the passengers. Apparently he had just sat down to a game of whist with some passengers when the ships collided. He was in his 30's and left 5 children.
This is the very reason I watch these videos. I could get lost for days in the history you bring back to life. Outstanding finds that it'll be saved forever thanks to your skills and professionalism
Absolutely brilliant, amazing pieces of history. I love watching all your finds, but these are the top of the list. Keep searching, can’t wait to see what you find next. May you be blessed.
Your excitement was so deep and sincere that sharing it brought me, much to my surprise, to the edge of tears. You and David created a very real connection of shared humanity with the maker, your viewers and the gracious interests of your partnership in this very special discovery. Thank you for making history so meaningful and alive.
Very genuine, & well said
Congrats on your Roman finds. This is definitely amazing and a find of a lifetime!
That is absolutely incredible! I mean to find the Roman pot fully in tact but also a perfect plate right with it! I am a arrowhead hunter, metal detector and general relic hunter. I have great finds over 40 years but my God! A full perfect Roman pot and plate! I'm floored!
Hi, Nicola. Susan from Shelburne here. I was so excited to watch today's video!! I kept stopping it to make my husband watch! I can just imagine how thrilled you were as each item was gradually revealed. I've always thought it would be wonderful to have the ability to touch an item and know who the last owner was (or maybe, on second thought, not always a good thing!). Still, you can imagine the grieving widow placing the items by her husband. Anyway, I'm thrilled for you, and enjoyed it vicariously!
Thank you. yes I always imagine who might have last touched these artefacts
OMG Nicola! Amazingly fantastic finds.... I watch Time Team and I was wondering if those Roman pots were part of a burial offering, it looks like most of the grave has been washed away and with it the occupant. The substance in the dish may be some sort of offering that would be amazing wouldn't it! ❤️
Hi how are you doing?
Amazing that these finds still turn up and that you were able to save them. It will be interesting to know if the Archaeologist find out more about the area they were found.
I'll keep you updated
@@nicolawhitemudlark Excellent. That was what I also was hoping for.
Congratulations on your mudlarking finds.
I wonder if the people of the future, would be so excited about finding our trash? I kind of doubt it though.😆
@@enigma9625 lol, I think they might indeed be, especially if day to day life has evolved quite a bit. 😁
Nicola, you deserve to find the pot. All the hours you’ve put in - your 10,000 which makes you an expert- you really do deserve to find something so precious and interesting. I’m so happy for you and David. All of a sudden I was terribly worried how you were going to get them home. I was thinking about them. They look like the remains of a Roman picnic. A bottle of wine and a dish of nibbles. They left them behind as rubbish, worthless.
But in what other circumstances can you say ” I must get poo’d on more often” and everyone nods in agreement?
Fantastic video☺️🌸☺️
Your videos are wonderful! I wish I could get muddy along with you, but sorry to say I must live vicariously through your filming instead! So thank you for bringing me along visually on your larking expeditions! I've always been interested in British archeology and will never have the chance to take part. I'm so grateful for all of you who do this and share your experiences with us!! Always informative with so much eye candy!! Great finds in this one!
Yes agree with you
A great find David, good spotting. It must have been such a privilege for you Nicola to be able to dig it out. Great show
I got strong Time Team vibes from this episode! Expected Tony Robinson to pop info view at any moment when you excevated that Roman pot. 😂
Absolute bonkers that both the pot and the plate are perfectly intact after so much time 😳.
Me too! I'll bet any Time Team members watching this video are well jealous! 😉
@@Gazellekaz I bet they are 😄.
Blessings from the Netherlands!
Thanks Eric!
Fan-bloody-tastic episode. I lived in London 1975 - 78. Spent a lot of time walking the Thames banks. If only I knew about the contents of the mud then! Yes we in Oz have some of the best beaches in the world but one can spend a life time of beach combing and find only plastic waste from passing ships. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations Nicola and David! Amazing history saved just in time! Another excellent save was the glass bead. Wonderful video, I'm so happy for you and David...what a stellar day!
Great to see your latest find well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, the amphora and plate were still exciting finds! I suspected they'd go to the museum, but you know they will be preserved. The European drought is supposed to bring rivers , including the Thames, down to lower levels than they have been since the 1600s. Who knows what may be found then.
There is a drought in the south west causing Lake Meade to go dry and all the skeletons of people killed by the Mob in Las Vegas are all over the news.
I have broken apart .303 rounds and the cordite in them looks like short lengths of uncooked spaghetti noodles. It is yellow too!
That Roman denarius is awesome! I think you will see some more spectacular finds before the drought ends. 😊👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
Thanks Dustin x
So similar to what is happening in the far north in Canada and other northern countries. With the ice melting the rate of archaeological finds is exploding. So important not only for the archaeologists and other experts but also the native cultures these finds often originate from. In Canada this is helping the native cultures reawaken pride and knowledge of their past in the new generations.
Did anyone else gasp/shout when she lifted the amphora up by its handle alone at 16:32? Beautiful finds, for sure. Must have been amazing to liberate them from their entombment.
Most amazing episode that I can remember. It was like watching Time Team with Nicola as guest star!
Yes I kept thinking about that!
This for you can only be described as a red letter day - a day you will struggle to surpass, and undoubtable will never forget. Utterly utterly fantastically brilliantly fabulous - and I don't think there is anyone else in the World that deserves this more than you - congratulations!
Thank you!! 😊 ❤️
They were in such perfect condition, to be able to learn so much about them, with the contents they contain. To learn the age and name of the maker was amazing. The story to come will be awesome. Great vid. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Hi Nicola, I am so saddened by the passing of your Queen. Many of us here in the U. S. loved her too. Take care, from the U. S. A.
What an amazing day! I know you cannot lark at that area until the antiquities people finish investigating, but I hope that they allow you to come and observe. I think we all would love to see that and it would make an amazing video!
Thank you. Yes, good idea
That would be wonderful if they would let you!
Aloha from Hawaii, David Hume from London, now living in a tropical paradise on the Big Island. I have watched a lot of your videos, love em, thank you so much. This episode was epic. I used to work in central London and would sometimes go down to the 'mud' on my lunch breaks. I never found anything as epic as you have but I loved the feeling there, like walking in time. Thanks again Nicola.
Congratulations on finding such historical finds. So cool. I like the way you incorporate the wildlife into your videos.
Ivor Hume’s “If These Pots” illustration 1.21 shows a similar Samian being used upside down, as a lid on a burial urn. Dated slightly later than yours.
I'm not sure if I've seen a bigger smile on your face, I couldn't be happier for you! It even gave me chills watching you carefully extract the two incredible finds. Serious museum quality finds, congratulations!!!💖😄👍🤗🥰I would let a flock of geese poo on me if it brought me that kind of luck, hopefully David also had some of that good luck.
As a New Zealander, I'm soooo envious of you, Nicola! Everywhere you look in the UK. there seems to be "Roman this" or "Roman that".
So cool!
If you mudlark in NZ, the most you'll probably find is a beer bottle from the 1970s!
Absolutely spectacular Roman finds! How exciting!
Looking forward to hearing from the museum on more particulars!
Congratulations!💖👍🏻
Hi 👋 how are you doing?
Hi Nicola am so made up I came across you on you tube, your mudlarking videos are so so amazing and informative and I just can't get enough of them, and you are such an amazing important person aswell as all the other mudlarkers a BIG THANKS TO YOU NICOLA,.I deffo will donate
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! Those Roman artifacts are definitely the find of a lifetime! Well done! Please do keep us updated on further information about them as you receive it. Greetings and hugs, best wishes from Oregon.
Fascinating! I love that you give us a mini history lesson with your finds. I’m too old to go digging in the mud, but appreciate, so much, that you take us with you.
Absolutely incredible Nicola, thoroughly deserved and well earned 😀
Thanks Neil!
I can just imagine an roman soldier/merchant sitting down for a meal and getting rushed away only for his lunch to be found 2000 years later where it was left sitting. Amazing find and video as always.
Just amazing finds. I know native Americans put food with their dead so they wouldn't go hungry on their journey. I'm wondering if Roman's did the same thing. How fortunate you and David were to be able to hold such history in your hands. Congratulations!!!
I think a lot of cultures around the world have had similar burial customs. Adding different “necessities “ for the deceased person to take on their journey to the next world. Food, weapons, even their trusty stead’s. (Check out what was in the tomb with king Tut).
@@laraemitchell9064 I will definitely research King Tut. Thank you.
Miraculous finds! It was stunning when you said the museum person said they are probably part of a burial, on top of being Roaman and Samian and intact, and gorgeous. Kudos to you and David!!!
Totally amazed and great full to see your rare precious finds and looking forward to learning more about them!
Thanks Chris!
Wow! Just wow! I think we all shared your excitement at uncovering those two Roman pieces! So glad you shared it!
I’m living vicariously through you and your adventures, so grateful I’ve found your videos
thanks Pia! x
Wow what an exciting lark!! The mud gods favoured you that day. Congratulations!!
Well done and congratulations on such an historical find. I’m literally glued to the screen every week. 👍🥂🍾
thank you!
@@nicolawhitemudlark congrats David he found it... You should be with him all the time . sign from god
Congratulations Nicola on such a significant and exciting find. What I find even more exciting than the makers mark, is the ancient contents of the bowl. It may have been their last meal, preserved in time. WOW!!!
Congrats, Nicola, on your Roman finds. I shared this video with my daughter who is a ceramic artist and she was so amazed!
Thank you for showing your surroundings. So special.❤We were blessed by watching your amazing discovery.😮😮
Wow. Spectacular finds this time Nicola, can’t wait to hear further news from the FLO.
I can't think of anyone more deserving to have made these discoveries. Well done Nicola❣ David is right, that Samian plate looks as if it were made yesterday.
Wow what a day, museum quality finds, glass beads, complete cod bottles, break out the champagne. So very happy for you.
Nicola, I love your videos as well as your passion for history! I mudlark in Oklahoma finding some cool stuff. However, no comparison here. You truly save history! Fantastic job to the both of you! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Nicola! What truly amazing finds. I imagine that you will be on cloud 9 for days after finding these pottery pieces.
Wow,just wow, wow, did i say wow? I mean utterly astonishing , every bottle diggers,mud larkers, metal detectors and treasure hunters dream just perfectly displayed and exposed on a clayside begging to be retrieved and loved furthermore accommodated by a lovely dish, my word , * ( I literally had a heart attack when you held the jug by the handle)
I can't believe that survived the tide exposed so long judging by the circular erosion in the clay exposing the jug, absolutely marvellous find, so glad you found it!
Thank you!
Absolutely awesome finds on this hunt. Truly the finds of a life time.
Someone had a picnic and left in a hurry ! My home is St Albans so I grew up fascinated by the wonderful finds from Roman Britain. Good for you ! Thanks for the breathtaking video !
Amazing, Nichola, what an extraordinary day. Those are the finds you dream of. So exciting, I was on the edge of my seat and cheered and clapped when it came out whole, and the Samian plate looked almost new. To think we can find our information on tradesmen from that era, totally remarkable. History makers on all levels. Thank you Nichola, Sundays aren't the same without you and your historical finds and the snippets of natural history you share each week x mudlark extraordinaire x
I got tears in my eyes with all your excitement finding the Roman pot. So happy for you.
Oh my goodness that just made my day, it was so exciting! To find them both intact too! As David said, that samian plate looked as if it had been just made! Absolutely amazing, my favourite episode so far!
I could watch you getting excited in the mud all day long. Brilliant finds.
Just so amazing. Can’t imagine how it felt finding them!
Congratulations miss nicola White I do believe its one of your personal golden bucket list finds very pleased for you. I hope you find many, many more in your near future godblss
Hello Nicola,
I am completely in awe of your experience. I am so glad you found those and were able to safely excavate and take them to the museum people. I could see the excitement, happiness, and awe on your face. I also hope that is not a burial ground so you can go back hunting more in that area and get them into museums, I am glad you have the integrity to report all of your ancient finds. Your friend looked like he was having a great time as well.
You are a wonderful representative of the UK. Every time I watch a video of yours, I want to have the good health to visit the islands and go mudlarking. I live in the states, Washington state to be precise, so I can find lots of fossils, but most dumps are more current than yours, and we definitely don't have all of the Roman shards.
Please stay safe out there on the mud flats and in the mountains.
Anastasia
Hi how are you doing?
Our archeoligist of the shoreline. Just as important finds as those on a formal dig. Keep up the good work.
Wow, what an incredible find! I'm so glad David was there to share the moment with you!
me too as if not who would have filmed me?! :)
Fascinating
Congratulations! I could see you almost exploding with excitement when you found that pot, then double joy with finding that Samian plate/dish. Well done, you deserve good finds and you always respect the history if them too. Thank you so much for sharing this video 💕🇦🇺
Wow! Definitely finds of a lifetime. Congrats Nicola and David. All your many thousands of hours of mud combing lead to this moment. Xx
What amazing finds! I cannot imagine holding a Roman plate in my hand. Thank you for sharing your finds with us!
Congratulations on the Grand Slam as we would say in fishing; a triple header of 3 Amazing Roman artefacts. Interested to hear any follow up from your Finds Officer. Well done! I could feel your excitement!!
Hi how are you doing?
There were actually 5 items. The two whole pieces, 2 broken pieces of pottery, and one large glass bead.
Congratulations on the outstanding finds you and David found! Memories for a lifetime-
'fish custard'? You're not selling it Nicola.
Congratulations on your finds.
In all the years I watched Time Team, I don't think they ever found anything as complete as that, not one but two things!
Well done.
Thank you for bringing your very special finds to the museum! I'm very interested in history and must say that you are very fortunate to be mudlarking in Europe. I live in the US and get excited about items that I find here. I can't imagine what it would be like to find treasures from Roman days!!
I haven't tried mudlarking yet. I find my treasures along the beach at low tide. You inspire me!
congratulations!!! I enjoy watching all your adventures and finds, good luck on all your finds and adventures!