Ep 3. Tudor Beer & Witchcraft

In Mud Men season 1 episode 3, entitled Tudor Beer & Witchcraft, the hosts Johnny Vaughan and Steve Brooker are on another adventure in the Thames riverbed, uncovering lost treasures and historical artifacts. This episode focuses on the Tudor period, a time in England's history when ale and beer were widely consumed and witchcraft was heavily persecuted.

The episode begins with Johnny and Steve suiting up in their wetsuits and diving into the murky waters of the Thames. They start their search near the site of an old brewery that used to produce beer during the Tudor period. Johnny explains that beer was a staple drink during this era, as it was safer to consume than water due to the brewing process that killed off harmful bacteria.

As they wade through the riverbed, Johnny and Steve discover old Tudor coins, pottery, and even a musket. They also come across remnants of the old brewery, including large brick structures and barrels that once held ale. One of the most interesting finds in this episode is a Tudor-era beer flagon, which Johnny explains was a type of flask used to store and transport beer.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide fascinating historical context about the Tudor period, such as the fact that King Henry VIII himself was a fan of beer and owned a personal brewery. They also discuss how beer was often brewed in monasteries during this time, and how the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII led to the rise of commercial breweries.

However, not all aspects of Tudor history were so jovial and beer-filled. The episode also delves into the dark history of witch hunts during this era. Johnny and Steve discover an old jailer's key that was likely used to imprison accused witches, and they explore the location of where an infamous local witch named Mother Ludlam was burned at the stake.

The episode culminates in a tense moment as the hosts search for a potentially haunted location rumored to have connections to witchcraft. The atmosphere becomes eerie as they explore an abandoned building and encounter strange noises. Johnny and Steve's sense of humor keeps the situation from becoming too creepy, but there is a palpable tension as they search for evidence of witchcraft.

Overall, Tudor Beer & Witchcraft is an entertaining and informative episode of Mud Men that showcases the hosts' enthusiasm for history and their willingness to get their hands dirty in the name of discovery. It provides a glimpse into the Tudor period through the lens of everyday life and highlights the darker aspects of that time period in a way that is both educational and engaging.