Comments on: Love Tokens From The Thames

By: David Green

David Green — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 14:33:45 +0000

Right, so I was just skimming throughout he article without much interest until I came upon picture #6, of the crooked Georgian silver coin. When did this custom die out? Amongst my Grandfather’s effects I have a coin bent just so, which my Mum told had happened when it was hit with a bullet in 1915. It occurs to me I have never looked at the date of this coin, and I wonder if it was a love token from my Gran, or perhaps belonged to my g-grandparents? The interesting things one learns on this website! Thank you. I’ll be digging around in an old box of medals and bits and bobs tonight to look at it with new eyes.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 03:54:06 +0000

When i went down to the river to pray
Studying about that good old way.
Oh lord, show me the way.

By: Laura Williamson

Laura Williamson — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 20:56:08 +0000

I particularly hope that Vic and May and “Voilet” and her beau had long and happy lives together (and also Snod, who I am convinced was indeed a dog)

By: Stella Weng

Stella Weng — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:34:46 +0000

How odd to pierce a hole, as though to carry it on a string, then toss the coin in the river! Perhaps they hoped to retrieve the coin one day, and celebrate this sign of heavenly approval of their love.
Thank you for a touching Valentine gift!

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:55:49 +0000

I know that such things are often considered “found objects” — but, in this case, I think
“fond objects” tells the tale. I never even knew the term “mud larking” until I read
Spitalfields Life – but now I am savvy. Thanks to GA and the Mud God.
Such discoveries!?
Happy Valentine’s Day to all.

By: paul loften

paul loften — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:10:07 +0000

When you look at the intricate handwork that has gone into the love token the passion is transmitted down the years as an everlasting memory. I wonder if it would be the same if a future “internet mudlark” like Steve should trawl the ether and find old old Valentine ecards? Somehow I don’t think it would have the same sense of timeless wonder.

By: Maureen Musson

Maureen Musson — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 12:04:49 +0000

Very interesting article! Did you know that there are many folk songs concerning “broken tokens”? When lovers had to be parted – usually because the chap was going away to war/sea, the couple would break a token – often a coin or a ring, – and each keep half. When he came back, years later, very roughened and dishevelled from his travels, she would be able to know it was him by the token.

By: Andi

Andi — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 10:09:33 +0000

These are fab, humans are just great.

By: Bailey Jones

Bailey Jones — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 10:00:37 +0000

Happy St Valentine’s day. According to Enid Blyton, the day when birds marry.

By: Mathilde Grange

Mathilde Grange — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:56:17 +0000

Strangely alive messages from the past.