Ep 2. Surrey Quays

In season 2 episode 2 of Mud Men, the hosts Johnny Vaughan and Steve Brooker take their search for historical artifacts to Surrey Quays near the River Thames. The area has a long and rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back 3,000 years. Johnny and Steve are on the hunt for any clues about the past that may be hidden in the mud.

Their first stop is at the Surrey Docks Farm, where they meet with the manager, who gives them permission to search for artifacts on the farm's grounds. They begin their search with metal detectors and quickly find several interesting items, including a silver coin from the 1600s. The hosts are excited to find such an old and valuable artifact so early in their search.

Next, they head to the River Thames and wade into the muddy waters. The Thames has been a hub of activity for centuries, and Johnny and Steve hope to find evidence of that activity beneath the surface. They have brought along a dredging machine that will help them sift through the mud and sand to find any artifacts that may be hidden below.

As they dredge, the hosts discuss the rich history of Surrey Quays. They explain that the area was once home to a large dock complex that was built in the 1800s to handle the growing trade from the Thames. The docks were important for the shipping of goods such as timber, coal, and grain. However, the docks were largely destroyed during WWII and were eventually closed down in the 1970s.

Despite the destruction of the dock complex, Johnny and Steve are hopeful that they will find evidence of this important period of history in the mud. As they sift through the dredged material, they find several interesting items, including pottery fragments and bottle tops.

Their final stop is at a construction site where a new development is being built. The hosts meet with the site manager, who gives them permission to search for artifacts before the construction begins. This is an important opportunity, as construction work can destroy or bury historical artifacts that are hidden beneath the ground.

The hosts use their metal detectors to search the site and soon find several interesting items, including a Roman coin and a medieval buckle. This discovery is particularly exciting, as it provides evidence of human activity in the area dating back almost 2,000 years.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Surrey Quays and the River Thames. Johnny and Steve's discovery of valuable and historic artifacts serves as a reminder that there is always more to learn about the past, and that it can often be found hidden beneath our feet. Through their search, the hosts have helped to uncover a small piece of history and have contributed to our understanding of the past.