Steve Brooker

Steve Brooker is a 6 ft 5, former professional skateboarder, sub 3 hr marathon runner, survivor of multiple strokes and most importantly the self-appointed tutelary spirit of the Thames. Steve is a member of the Mudlarks, a society of amateur archaeologists who are licensed by the Port of London Authority to scavenge the banks of the Thames for historical artefacts. Because of Brooker's oversize frame and his talent for major discoveries he is known by admirers as the Mud God.

Britain is crawling with so-called metal detectorists whose hobby and often obsession is unearthing treasure from the country's rich past. While these modern day treasure seekers can search fields and beaches for their booty it is only the 51 licensed Mudlarks who are permitted to excavate the historically rich north side of the river Thames, which since A.D. 50 has provided docking points for Roman, Saxon, Viking and Norman occupiers and, more recently, for British trade boats and royal ships. In August 2009, Steve made global headlines by unearthing a 17th century ball and chain - minus the leg it had once encased — belonging to an escaped or drowned prisoner.

Steve is one half of The History Channel’s hugely successful MudMen. In this 8 part series Steve taught Johnny Vaughan the tricks of the Mudlarking trade. Armed with metal detectors, trowels and shovels the pair dug along the banks of the Thames uncovering a whole manner of artefacts to reveal a unique and original perspective on London’s rich history. Series 2 of MudMen is currently in production.