About Madshovelman

Our Story

Meet Paul – the legendary MADSHOVELMAN.

Paul's passion for digging began when he was just six years old, armed with nothing more than curiosity and a small spade in his parents' back garden. Much to their dismay, the lawn quickly turned into a patchwork of muddy holes. But to Paul, every dig was an adventure – a treasure hunt beneath his feet.

By the age of eight, Paul had already made headlines in the local paper – a beaming boy in a freshly-dug pit, proudly holding a handful of old glass bottles. That newspaper clipping? Still tucked safely away in his collection today.

As he grew, so did his obsession. While most kids were trading sweets, Paul was trading relics – selling his freshly unearthed bottles to schoolteachers for pocket money. Each dig uncovered history. Each sale, a new story.

Over the past 45 years, Paul has traveled the length and breadth of England, Scotland, and Wales with his trusty shovel, exploring forgotten sites and uncovering hidden treasures from the past. His personal collection of bottles is vast, rare, and deeply cherished – not a single piece is for sale.

Because for Paul, this isn't just a hobby. It's a lifelong journey.

But behind every legendary digger is a quiet force making it all possible.

Enter Jackie – Paul's wife, his partner, and the furnace of the business. While Paul's out in the fields, waist-deep in soil and history, Jackie's behind the scenes keeping everything running like clockwork. From cataloguing finds and managing packaging, to handling customers with genuine care, it's Jackie who brings the Madshovelman magic to life online and beyond.

Her eye for detail and passion for vintage shine through in every wrapped parcel, every lovingly listed piece, and every message sent to a collector. She doesn't just support the mission – she powers it.

Together, Paul and Jackie are more than just a team. They're a story in themselves – one of passion, dedication, and an undying love for the forgotten fragments of the past.