This large conch shell was recently found in a 19th- or early 20th-century deposit at a site in Shadwell, E1W. It’s been identified as a Giant Spider Conch (Lambis truncata truncata), a subspecies found in the tropical and subtropical Indian Ocean. At 34cm long, this specimen is close to the species’ maximum size of around 40cm.
Large exotic shells like this have been collected for centuries, valued as souvenirs and decorative items. In Victorian Britain, there was a particular enthusiasm for shell collecting, then known as conchology, which became a fashionable hobby and decorative trend. Some collections were modest, others extravagant, including the shell grottoes found in the gardens of country houses and seaside resorts. While many used locally sourced shells, the growing reach of empire and trade networks meant exotic specimens became increasingly accessible by the 19th century.
The location of the find, close to the East End docks, suggests a few possibilities. It could have been a memento from a sailor, or part of a domestic collection. Charles Jamrach, a well-known dealer in exotic animals and curiosities, ran a shop on nearby St George Street (now The Highway). Alongside live creatures, he sold shells and other natural specimens to satisfy Victorian tastes for the exotic.
