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London Archaeologist
@londonarchaeo.bsky.social
London Archaeologist is published 4 times a year, for anyone interested in London's archaeology
Here's more about Dutch eel ships from @greenleejw.bsky.social

bsky.app/profile/gree...
It's Friday! Let's end the week with a map & some eels!

Here is John Speed's 1611 map, "The Kingdome of Great Britaine and Ireland." There are Dutch eel ships on this map. Can you find them? (the answer is at the end of the thread)

Wait, you ask...WTF is an eel ship? 1/5
🗃️🧪
October 26, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Not saying we chose this for @greenleejw.bsky.social, but not saying we didn't either...
October 26, 2025 at 5:07 PM
There had been a plentiful supply of Thames eels, but numbers began to dwindle with colder weather in the 14th century. So Dutch merchants increased their eel imports, keeping them fresh in specially adapted ships. The ships' mooring spots were along the Thames at Queenhithe and Billingsgate.
October 26, 2025 at 5:07 PM
This iron eel spear was designed for use in shallow water. It captured the eel without injuring it, by gripping it or holding it down. Eels caught this way were sent live to market.

Eels were a delicacy. In medieval times, they were trapped or caught in the Thames using just such an eel spear.
October 26, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Research

🏺 The Dead Marshes: Excavations at 1 Liverpool St - James Langthorne

🏺 Excavations at 14-19 Tottenham Mews, Camden - Kathy Davidson, with Guy Thompson, Berni Sudds & Märit Gaimster

@pcaarchaeology.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 8:52 PM
🏺 Findspot: A folded pilgrim badge from the foreshore - Peter Wollweber

🏺 Access to archaeology: Whitechapel archaeology - Sarah Wolferstan @archsoutheast.bsky.social
October 21, 2025 at 8:52 PM
The photo is of foreshore features at Trig Lane being recorded by the team from UCL Institute of Archaeology and CRaFT, 2024 (Photo: C Frearson @lofttroll.bsky.social)
May 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
They will be looking at illustrated examples of the erosion-threatened issues faced by archaeological sites on the #Thames foreshore, and responses involving co-operation between local societies and UCL.
May 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
The photo is of foreshore features at Trig Lane being recorded by the team from UCL Institute of Archaeology and CRaFT, 2024 (Photo: C Frearson @lofttroll.bsky.social)
May 5, 2025 at 6:12 PM
They will be looking at illustrated examples of the erosion-threatened issues faced by archaeological sites on the #Thames foreshore, and responses involving co-operation between local societies and UCL.
May 5, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The context for the find can be found in "Bermondsey Square - Prehistoric and Roman Settlement, Medieval Abbey and Post-Medieval Mansion" by Alistair Douglas, published by PCA in 2024.

www.pre-construct.com/news/new-pub...
New Publication: Bermondsey Square – Pre Construct Archaeology
www.pre-construct.com
April 30, 2025 at 7:43 PM
It was possibly made in the Fujian or Guangdong (formerly Canton) provinces of south-east China. It reflects the 18th-century British fascination with Chinese imports when such objects like this became very fashionable.
April 30, 2025 at 7:43 PM
The colourful stoneware lion's design includes a spiral- patterned mane with green and honey yellow glazes. It has a hollow body and is thought to have held incense. When lit, smoke would emerge from its mouth to transform it into a fire-breathing lion.
April 30, 2025 at 7:43 PM
She has her ways.... 😂
April 29, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Ha! It maybe!

Looking forward to seeing the article!
April 29, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Research:

The Prehistory of Greenwich Wharf
Enid Allison et al

Evidence for Roman and Later Activity, St Swithin's Lane
Jessica Bryan and Sadie Watson @drsadiewatson.bsky.social

Obituary: Timothy Darvill, OBE

Plus book review, letter, commentary, news, and diary
April 23, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Features (cont.):

LA Publication Prize: A good read - judges' comments for the runners-up

Museums Update: London Museum update @londonmuseum.bsky.social
April 23, 2025 at 8:57 PM