Treasure in the Mud: The World of Thames Mudlarking

Every day, when the tide goes out, mudlarks walk down to the muddy banks of the River Thames to search for objects the river has left behind. In the past, poor Londoners searched the riverside to earn a living, picking up rope, coal and metal to sell. Mudlarking might look like a simple walk along the river, (1) …1. A — because1. B — but1. C — and1. D — so it is in fact a licensed activity with strict rules and real dangers. Many objects that date (2) …2. A — over2. B — down2. C — away2. D — back to Roman or medieval times must be reported to the Museum of London. With careful digging, a mudlark can turn (3) …3. A — out3. B — up3. C — over3. D — down a Roman coin or a medieval shoe buckle hidden in the mud for centuries. Beginners should join an experienced mudlark at first, since inexperienced walkers can easily get (4) …4. A — cut4. B — sent4. C — left4. D — kept off by the fast-rising water. Keen collectors often track (5) …5. A — down5. B — through5. C — back5. D — over rare items using old maps and museum records. Mudlarks say the river keeps (6) …6. A — giving6. B — sending6. C — handing6. D — backing up its secrets, no matter how often the same stretch is searched. For many, the pleasure lies in the sense of (7) …7. A — bond7. B — relation7. C — link7. D — connection with people from the past. (8) …8. A — Several8. B — Many8. C — Some8. D — Few hobbies, if any, let you hold history so directly in your hands.