The Heritage Lottery funded Thames Discovery Programme (TDP), which ran from October 2008 to September 2011, had two intertwined strands: the TDP staff field team undertook a new archaeological survey of the exposed and threatened sites on the foreshore. This new survey updated and extended the original Thames Archaeological Survey, which first recorded foreshore archaeology in London, some ten years ago.

The Thames Discovery Programme community archaeologists actively encouraged public participation in the subsequent monitoring of these threatened sites. Over 300 volunteers were trained by the TDP to be members of the Foreshore Recording & Observation Group or FROG. The FROG systematically monitors the 20 key sites on a regular basis, providing a long-term sustainable future for the monitoring and enjoyment of the river’s historic maritime heritage.

The outreach project worked with the wider community in Greater London, to encourage wider participation and interest in the history and archaeology of the Thames foreshore. This was undertaken through a programme of special events, information days, public exhibitions, the creation and presentation of educational materials for schools and the development of this website.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact the TDP team.