Ep 5. Folkestone

In Mud Men season 2 episode 5, titled Folkestone, presenters Johnny Vaughan and Steve Brooker continue their adventures along the Thames Estuary, this time exploring the coastal town of Folkestone in Kent. The episode is an exciting blend of history, archaeology, and comedy, as the pair embark on their quest to find rare items hidden beneath the mud.

The duo begins their search by meeting with local historian, Keith Parfitt, who introduces them to the history of Folkestone and its role as an important port for trade and transportation throughout the centuries. Johnny and Steve get a glimpse of the town's Victorian architecture, and the remnants of Roman artifacts scattered throughout the town.

The presenters are quick to get down to business, however, and head straight to the beach where they put their metal detectors to work. They quickly find a variety of interesting items including coins, shells, and pottery fragments, but are constantly on the lookout for something more valuable. As they move further out into the mudflats, they get deeper into the history of the town.

The duo also visits the remains of the Napoleonic Wars-era Martello Tower on East Wear Bay, and discuss the military significance of the area. They are joined by Folkestone resident and history enthusiast Nick Epps, who introduces them to his private collection of archaeological finds from the town and takes them through the story of Folkestone through the ages.

The highlight of the episode comes towards the end as Johnny and Steve venture out into the deeper mudflats in search of treasure. They uncover a variety of objects including spoons and a key, but the most intriguing find is a pistol that seems to date back to the 18th century. The duo's excitement is contagious, and it's easy to get caught up in their enthusiasm as they uncover the history of the area.

Throughout the episode, the presenters also inject their own humor and banter into the mix, keeping the mood light even as they come across more somber historical facts. They frequently joke around with each other and make fun of their own finds, but it's all in good spirits and helps to make the show enjoyable to watch.

Overall, Mud Men season 2 episode 5 is a fascinating look into the history of Folkestone and the surrounding area, with plenty of interesting discoveries and humorous moments along the way. Johnny and Steve prove themselves to be knowledgeable and charismatic guides, and their enthusiasm for their work is infectious. Fans of archaeology, history, and comedy will find plenty to love in this episode.