Ep 2. The Thames

In season 4 episode 2 of Digging for Britain, entitled "The Thames," the focus is on the river that has played such an important role in London's history. The episode begins with presenter Alice Roberts standing on the banks of the Thames, telling us how the river was once so central to daily life in the city that it was known as the "Silent Highway." She explains how the Thames has been used for transportation, trade, and waste disposal for over 2,000 years, and how its history can be traced through the objects found in its mud.

Alice then introduces us to some of the archaeologists who are working on sites along the Thames, including one team that is excavating a 17th-century shipwreck in the muddy foreshore. They show Alice some of the everyday objects that have been preserved in the mud, including a leather shoe, a child's toy, and a clay pipe. Alice explains that the conditions in the mud are perfect for preserving organic materials like leather and wool, which would normally have rotted away.

Alice then visits the Museum of London's archaeological store, where she is shown some of the incredible artifacts that have been found in the Thames over the years. These range from simple Roman coins to ornate medieval buckles and even a 16th-century cannon. Alice is particularly interested in a collection of objects found near Queenhithe, one of the oldest ports on the Thames. These include a beautifully-carved Roman gravestone, a medieval leather purse, and a Tudor merchant's token.

Next, Alice meets up with a team of divers who are exploring the waters of the Thames itself. They show her how they use specially-designed equipment to search the riverbed for objects, and Alice joins them underwater to see for herself how murky the water can be. Despite the poor visibility, the divers have found some incredible objects over the years, including a Roman barge pole, a Viking sword, and even a Tudor woman's shoe.

Finally, Alice visits a dig site in London's financial district, where a team of archaeologists are uncovering the remains of a Roman villa. These are some of the earliest Roman remains ever found in London, and the team has already uncovered a beautiful mosaic floor. Alice talks to the lead archaeologist about what they hope to find, and he explains how they are using a combination of traditional excavation techniques and modern technology like ground-penetrating radar to get a better understanding of the site.

Overall, "The Thames" is a fascinating look at how the river has shaped London's history and how archaeologists are using the objects found in its mud to piece together the past. Alice Roberts is an engaging host and the experts she interviews are clearly passionate about their work. Whether you're a history buff or just interested in learning more about London's past, this episode is well worth a watch.