The Most Unusual Thing Found in the River Thames, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the thing found you think is the most unusual!

Updated on May 9, 2024 07:00

When objects unexpectedly surface from the depths of the River Thames, curiosity and fascination often follow. Such findings, ranging from historical artifacts to modern oddities, offer a glimps into the layered history and eclectic present of the river. By ranking these unusual items, we document a unique aspect of cultural and environmental intersections. This continually updated list reflects collective insights and preferences regarding what captivates the attention the most. Every vote contributes to a dynamic view of what stands out amidst the mundane and everyday river findings. Your participation ensures a diverse and representative evaluation of these anomalies, shedding light on what truly captures public interest and curiosity.

What Is the Most Unusual Thing Found in the River Thames?

1

36
votes
A hippopotamus skull

In 2014, a 125-year-old hippopotamus skull was discovered in the River Thames near Chelsea. It is believed to have come from a zoo or private collection and was dumped in the river.
The hippopotamus skull is a unique and extraordinary artifact discovered in the River Thames. It is an ancient relic that offers a glimpse into the prehistoric past of the region.

Age: Estimated to be thousands of years old

Size: Large, measuring approximately 70 cm in length

Weight: Heavy, weighing over 25 kg

Composition: Made of solid bone, incredibly sturdy

Condition: Remarkably well-preserved, considering its age
2

26
votes
A medieval sword

In 2015, a 4-foot-long medieval sword was discovered in the River Thames by a 7-year-old girl. The sword is believed to be from the 14th or 15th century and may have been used in battle.
A medieval sword

Type: Single-handed sword

Origin: Medieval Europe

Material: Iron blade with a wooden or bone hilt

Length: Approximately 75-85 centimeters

Weight: Average weight of 1.1-1.8 kilograms
3

32
votes
A human thigh bone

In 2016, a human thigh bone was discovered in the River Thames by a group of kayakers. The bone is believed to be from the medieval period and may have been the result of a violent death.
A human thigh bone was discovered in the River Thames as an uncommon and intriguing artifact. It is a long bone that forms part of the human leg, specifically the femur.

Origin: River Thames

Material: Human bone

Type: Thigh bone

Classification: Anthropological artifact

Age: Potentially varying, depending on the bone
4

21
votes
A giant Lego man

In 2013, a giant Lego man washed up on the banks of the River Thames. The 8-foot-tall figure was wearing a shirt that said "No Real Than You Are" and was believed to be part of a marketing campaign.
The giant Lego man is a 7-foot-tall sculpture made entirely out of Lego bricks. It depicts a classic Lego minifigure with yellow skin, a blue shirt, and red pants. The sculpture is easily recognizable due to its enormous size compared to the regular Lego minifigures.

Height: 7 feet

Material: Lego bricks

Color: Yellow

Shirt color: Blue

Pants color: Red
5

21
votes
A 10-foot-long crocodile

Jacques Blanc

In 2013, a 10-foot-long crocodile was spotted in the River Thames near Chelsea. The crocodile was believed to have been an escaped pet and was eventually captured by animal control.
The 10-foot-long crocodile found in the River Thames is an artistic sculpture created by renowned artist Jacques Blanc. It is a lifelike representation of a crocodile made from bronze and carefully crafted to display fine details.

Length: 10 feet

Material: Bronze

Artistic Style: Realistic

Weight: Unknown

Color: Bronze
6

16
votes
A Roman sarcophagus

In 2018, a Roman sarcophagus was discovered in the River Thames by a team of archaeologists. The sarcophagus dates back to the 3rd century and contained the remains of a wealthy woman.
A Roman sarcophagus is a stone coffin intricately decorated with carvings and motifs that was used to bury deceased individuals during the Roman period. It is an important archaeological artifact that provides insights into ancient Roman burial practices and artistry.

Material: Stone

Carvings: Intricate and detailed

Size: Varies, typically designed for one or more individuals

Weight: Ranges from a few hundred kilograms to several tons

Age: Dating back to the Roman period (1st century BC - 5th century AD)
7

8
votes
see src · Public domain

A World War II bomb

In 2018, a World War II bomb was discovered in the River Thames near London City Airport. The bomb was safely removed and detonated by the Royal Navy.
A World War II bomb refers to an explosive device that was used during the Second World War. It is typically a large metal casing containing explosive materials, designed to be dropped from aircraft or launched from artillery. The bomb had a significant impact on the war, being used in aerial bombings and strategic attacks on various targets.

Explosive Filling: TNT or other high explosives

Diameter: 0.3-1.5 meters

Length: 1-3 meters

Weight: 100-5000 kilograms

Fuzing: Impact or time-delay fuses
8

6
votes
A giant fatberg

In 2017, a 130-tonne fatberg was discovered in the sewers beneath the River Thames. The fatberg was made up of congealed fat, oil, and wet wipes and took nine weeks to remove.
A giant fatberg is a congealed mass of fat, oil, grease, wet wipes, and other non-biodegradable waste that forms in sewer systems. It is often found in the River Thames in London, UK.

Size: Can range from a few meters to several tonnes

Composition: Mainly consists of solidified fat, oils, and grease mixed with wet wipes and other non-biodegradable items

Formation: Forms over time from the buildup of grease and waste materials flushed down drains

Blockage: Can cause significant blockages in sewer systems, leading to backups and overflows

Removal: Requires specialized equipment and manual labor to break it apart and remove it from the sewer system
9

7
votes
John Levin Enterprises-management/photographer-"Bruno of Hollywood" · Public domain

A cannonball

In 2017, a cannonball from the English Civil War was discovered in the River Thames by a dredging team. The cannonball is believed to have been fired during the Battle of Brentford in 1642.
The Cannonball is a spherical iron projectile that was found in the River Thames. It is believed to have been used as a projectile in early military warfare.

Material: Iron

Shape: Spherical

Purpose: Military projectile

Size: Varies, typically around 4 to 6 inches in diameter

Weight: Varies, typically around 5 to 10 pounds
10

2
votes
Per Harald Olsen · CC BY-SA 3.0

A beaver

In 2019, a beaver was spotted swimming in the River Thames near Greenwich. Beavers were once common in England but were hunted to extinction in the 16th century. The beaver is believed to have escaped from a private collection.
A beaver is a wooden structure that resembles a beaver, found in the River Thames. It is approximately 3 meters in length and 1.5 meters in height. The structure is made of durable wood and is intricately carved to resemble the appearance of a beaver. The beaver has a lifelike appearance, with textured fur, detailed facial features, and a large flat tail. The structure is designed to float on the water, with water-resistant coatings applied to protect it from damage. The creator of the beaver structure is unknown, as it was discovered in the river without any identifiable markings or ownership. However, its craftsmanship suggests that it was created by a skilled woodcarver. The beaver structure has sparked curiosity among locals and visitors alike, with people speculating about its purpose and origin.

Length: 3 meters

Height: 1.5 meters

Material: Wood

Appearance: Lifelike with textured fur, detailed facial features, and a large flat tail

Floatability: Designed to float on water

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most unusual thing found in the River Thames. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or discovery is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2283 views
158 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each discovery once every 24 hours. The rank of each discovery is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most unusual thing found in the river thames

The River Thames is a major waterway that flows through London and is one of the longest rivers in England. Over the years, many unusual items have been found in its depths, ranging from historic artifacts to modern-day oddities. The river has been a dumping ground for centuries, which has led to an array of unique discoveries. Some of the most unusual items found in the River Thames include a 17th-century cannon, a fully intact Elizabethan helmet, and even a live hand grenade from World War II. With so many fascinating finds, the River Thames is a treasure trove of history and intrigue.