Victorian Farm

Watched secrets of the Castle with Peter and Ruth. There they were joined with Tom. Sadly here Alex, from Season 19 of Time Team is on Victorian Farm. It's a sign of how we liked Secrets of the Castle that we grudgingly tolerating Alex.

Hosted by Ruth Goodman, Peter Ginn, and Alex Langlands, we follow the trio of historians and archeologists as they live on a historical Victorian era British farm throughout the seasons of a calendar year, as an explorations into daily life on the farm how it would have been over a hundred years ago. Exactly the type of tv, I'm a bit biased in my love for it, but entertaining educational content is always welcome. The three hosts are great, especially Ruth, it was a pleasure each time to see what new challenge they'd be taking on that month on the farm. Only 6 short episodes followed by a Christmas special, the success of this first series lead to multiple more follow-ups, and I'm already the better part through the next Edwardian Farm, which (spoilers) is also great. If you like history, or just a relaxing informative watch, would definitely recommend.

These people are doing the actual sustainable off grid life. Tis a hard life. Look at what Ruth doing the washing, makes dresses, slaughters animals, tends stock, etc.

Three people of the team that made "Tales of the Green Valley" in 2004 came back and recreated the Victorian Age (2nd half of the 19th century). Just like in "Tales", the three reenact the period with the help of experts in the field, dressing like the period and mainly using tools from that age.

If you liked Tales of the Green Valley, you will probably also like this series (which was broadcast on the BBC in the winter months of 2009). The protagonists, script and formula are about the same, which yields a fun and enlightening experience. It's a pity though, that Chloe is not working in this series. She was quite the fun note in "Tales".

As both an animal lover and vegetarian I'd like to disassociate myself with another review on here claiming this series is "not for those who care about animals" I feel fortunate enough to live in a time that affords me a choice weather to eat meat or not...irrespective of when the "vegetarian society" was formed. People in the Victorian countryside would have had little choice, these times, in this location at this social standing it would have been about survival.

The series itself is a wonderful journey into a time of change and invention. Ruth, Alex and Peter take us on their journey in at 19th century farm from hay-making, brewing cider and ale, ploughing, planting, laundry even toilet requirements.

Fantastic cinematography and score it leaves you wanting to experience the time itself although leaves you under no illusions as how challenging these times were and how essential it was that every resource was utilised.

A real educational series for all ages and if you like this check out the prequel "Tales from the Green Valley" (Tudor Times) and the various squeals starting with "Edwardian Farm".

10/10 Fantastic viewing.