Tales from the Green Valley (2005)
Tales from the Green Valley is a captivating historical documentary series that aired on BBC Two from 19 August to 4 November 2005. The series is a pioneering endeavor in the ‘historic farm’ genre, produced by Lion Television, and it delves into the agrarian life of the 17th century during the Stuart period.
The documentary spans 12 episodes, each meticulously reconstructing a month in the life of a small farm situated in Gray Hill, Monmouthshire, Wales. The series is a time capsule that transports viewers back to the 1620s, showcasing the daily challenges and triumphs of farm life. Historians and archaeologists, including Stuart Peachey, Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands, Peter Ginn, and saddler Chloe Spencer, immerse themselves in the era. They don authentic replica clothing, engage in traditional farming practices, and utilize period tools and technology, all while subsisting on the food of the time.
The series is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors, highlighting the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a pre-industrialized world. Each episode focuses on different seasonal activities, from ploughing with oxen and baking in a hearth, to thatching roofs and harvesting crops. Viewers witness the painstaking process of slaughtering and butchering a pig, building a wattle and daub wall, and even preparing for a festive Christmas feast with period-specific recipes and drinks.
Tales from the Green Valley is not just a documentary; it’s an educational journey that offers a profound understanding of agricultural history. It pays homage to the agricultural writers of the time, like Gervase Markham and Thomas Tusser, whose works are used as primary sources. The authenticity of the series is further enhanced by the use of original recipes and reconstructed building techniques.
The series was directed and produced by British archaeologist and documentary maker Peter Sommer, who was honored with the Learning on Screen Award in 2006 by the British Universities Film & Video Council. The impact of the series was such that it spawned a sequel, Victorian Farm, and an associated book by Stuart Peachey titled The Building of the Green Valley: A Reconstruction of an Early 17th-century Rural Landscape which was published in 2006.
Tales from the Green Valley stands as a remarkable educational resource and a visually stunning reenactment of a bygone era, offering a unique glimpse into the past and a deeper appreciation for the history of rural life.
