In 2002 several pieces of blue and white pottery were noticed by one of the Thurrock Local History Society's patrons in the tidal Thames mud near Coalhouse Point, at East Tilbury.

On following visits, other fragments were collected, which were found to assemble into this attractive chamber pot of circa 1830. Randal Bingley and Sue Flanders did the restoration.

Most interesting was the side monogram comprising the royal cypher GR with crown above suggesting an official government use for the pot. Final conclusions were that it might have been an issue item aboard prison ships or for the revenue services, both of which were present along the Thames estuary in the late Georgian age.

Perhaps it was thrown to the tides in a cracked condition and eventually broke up due to pressure within the mud. The chamber pot has been donated to Thurrock Museum.

Photos: Jes Morley