Online booking for our events is recommended
Part of a series
11am – 12pm

Sun 28 Sep 2025

Join us for a compelling lecture with Dr Michael Lewis, Head of Portable Antiquities & Treasure at the British Museum and author of Saints and their Badges, as he delves into the world of mudlarking.

This talk brings to life some of the most significant and surprising finds to emerge from London’s riverbanks – from humble personal items lost centuries ago, to rare and mysterious artefacts that reshape what we know about our past.

Dr Lewis will illuminate the vital role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme in documenting these discoveries and explain why recording even the smallest object matters.

You’ll gain insight into how everyday items pulled from the mud can offer profound perspectives on the lives of Londoners across the centuries – revealing personal stories, lost moments and forgotten layers of the city’s history.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a passionate mudlark, or simply curious about what lies beneath our feet, this talk promises to be both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Book your tickets online in advance for the lowest price

How to attend:
In-person only
Duration:
60 mins
Concessions:

Some concessions are available – read our policy

Booking guidance:
Advanced booking recommended
Part of a series:
Mudlarking weekend

Need to know

London Museum Docklands is open every day 10am – 5pm.

If you have time, why not also visit our free galleries and get more in-depth with Docklands history?

Our address is London Museum Docklands, No. 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. We're just a few minutes away from Canary Wharf and West India Quay.

Check our need to know page to get the answers to all the frequently asked questions about visiting.

Our cafe is the perfect place to sit down and relax for a bite or tea break. We have sandwiches, pastries, snacks and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.

You’ll also find our shop with a curated range of gifts and souvenirs, including posters, prints, toys, books and jewellery.

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