Victorian Farm (2009)

Victorian Farm, a captivating British historical documentary TV series, takes viewers on a nostalgic journey back to the 1880s. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Shropshire, this six-part series immerses us in the daily life of a Victorian farm using authentic replica equipment, period clothing, and original recipes. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Victorian Farm:

1. Setting and Characters:
   • The project unfolds on the Acton Scott estate, a place frozen in time, lost in the rural England of the Victorian era. The estate’s buildings and grounds are adorned with antique tools and machinery collected by the Acton family, who have resided there since the twelfth century.
   • Our intrepid trio consists of:
     • Ruth Goodman is a historian with a passion for recreating historical experiences.
     • Alex Langlands is an archaeologist skilled in unearthing the past.
     • Peter Ginn, another archaeologist brings his expertise to the farm.
2. Rediscovering Lost Skills:
   • Working tirelessly for a full calendar year, Ruth, Alex, and Peter embark on a mission to rediscover a world of forgotten skills, crafts, and knowledge.
   • Their smallholding on the Acton Scott estate, dormant for nearly half a century, becomes their canvas for this historical experiment.
3. Restoration and Renovation:
   • The team moves into a disused cottage, which requires extensive renovation:
     • They replace the coal-burning range, clean the chimney, and refuel from a nearby canal.
     • The bedroom undergoes a thorough makeover, including disinfection against bedbugs and restoration of lime plaster.
   • The attention to detail is remarkable, as they meticulously recreate the living conditions of the time.
4. Farm Work and Traditions:
   • The farmers assist in threshing the previous year’s wheat crop using a steam-powered thresher.
   • Fields are plowed, harrowed, and sown with next year’s crops using horse-drawn implements.
   • Apples are picked, milled, and pressed to produce cider, while other fruits and berries are preserved as spicy chutney.
5. Authentic Sources:
   • The team draws inspiration from period sources like The Book of the Farm by Dr. Henry Stephens, first published in London in 1844.
   • Their commitment to historical accuracy shines through in every aspect of their work.
6. Audience Reception:
   • Victorian Farm became one of BBC Two’s biggest hits in 2009, attracting audiences of up to 3.8 million per episode.
   • Reviewers lauded the series, appreciating its authenticity and attention to detail.
7. Christmas-Themed Sequel:
   • The journey continued with Victorian Farm Christmas, a delightful three-episode miniseries aired during the festive season in 2009.
   • An associated book by Langlands, Ginn, and Goodman, also titled Victorian Farm, topped the Sunday Times bestseller list in February 2009.

In summary, Victorian Farm transports us to a bygone era, where hard work, tradition, and resourcefulness shaped everyday life on a rural farm. It’s a captivating exploration of history, brought to life by a dedicated team of enthusiasts.