Their source was two Londoners , William Smith and Charles Eaton , illiterate mudlarks , who purportedly obtained them from the large - scale excavations then taking place at Shadwell Dock .
In 1857 , a steady stream of lead , medieval artifacts began circulating in London .
Their source was two London , William Smith and Charles Eaton , illiterate mudlarks , who purportedly obtained London from the large - scale excavations then taking place at Shadwell Dock .
In 1857 , a steady stream of lead , medieval artifacts began circulating in London .