Southwark Cathedral Names UK's First Mudlark-in-Residence

Lara Maiklem has been appointed as Britain's first "mudlark-in-residence" by Southwark Cathedral, a historic first for the UK. For over two decades, Maiklem has dedicated herself to mudlarking, the practice of searching riverbanks for historical objects revealed at low tide. Her extensive finds include a Tudor child's shoe, a Tudor dagger, Roman game counters, and an 18th-century wine bottle, many of which she has cataloged as a personal collection.

Her new role at Southwark Cathedral, where she has collaborated for six years, signifies a permanent display of mudlarking objects, a world first. Maiklem, an author of several books on the subject, views mudlarking as a profound connection to the past, describing it as akin to time travel. She adheres to strict regulations, reporting finds over 300 years old to the Portable Antiquities Scheme and understanding that discovered items belong to the Port of London Authority, not the finder.

Maiklem's personal rules include never using a metal detector or digging, relying solely on items uncovered by the tide. She believes mudlarking offers a unique window into the lives of ordinary people from history. The cathedral, described as forward-thinking, has fostered a growing mudlarking presence, making the appointment a natural progression. An annual mudlarking festival, which Maiklem helps host, is also mentioned as a significant event.