Hammer head

In recent times, many tools dating from the 17th and 18th century have been found on the Thames foreshore by 'mudlarks'. They suggest a hive of activity on and along the borders of the riverbank in the central, built-up parts of the metropolis, especially the port area. At low tide, the hulls of small ships and barges would have been repaired. Tools slipped from workers' hands and fell into the thick mud of the foreshore and were never reclaimed. The construction and renovation of buildings close to the river's edge and the river wall itself accounted no doubt for the loss of further tools.

This wrought iron claw hammer head from the Thames foreshore conforms to quite a standard design and was used by a number of trades including those working on ship and barge repair work as well as those involved in the construction of buildings.