What was the typical age of a Mudlark?

Mudlarks, individuals who scavenged the River Thames in London for valuable items, were typically children and young adults, often between the ages of 10 and 20. Many were orphans or from impoverished families, drawn to mudlarking as a means of survival during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their youth allowed them to navigate the treacherous riverbanks more easily.