The Booted Man

Mola Headland Archaeology

In 2018 a skeleton was lying face down deep in the Thames Mud in Lond England. His body was at a bend in the river downstream from the Tower of London at Chambers Wharf close to the medieval Bermondsey Wall used to stand. 

The man lived and died in the late 1600s to early 1700s as his boots were dated for that time. The boots are a find their own as Medieval footwear is mostly found individually. The only other surviving pair found in London are lower ankle boots that were a more common style at the time. Making the boots a highly-prized item.

There was an indication that he may have been making his living from the river. Maybe he had been a fisherman, a mudlark, or a sailor it's unknown. His death is even unknown. The river was a hazardous place and it could have caused his death. His body was found face-down, with one arm above his head with the other bent back on itself onto the side. He may have fallen or drowned and was quickly covered by the ground when it moved with the tide.

SOURCES:

Ancient Pages

Museum of London

Phys.org

Atlas Obscura