Episode 3

Synopsis

Historical observational documentary series following a team who live the life of Victorian farmers for a year. Wearing period clothes and using only the materials that would have been available in 1885, historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn are going back in time to relive the day-to-day life of the Victorian farmer.

The project is based on the Acton Scott estate in Shropshire - a world frozen in time, lost in Victorian rural England. Its buildings and grounds are cluttered with antique tools and machinery collected by the Acton family who have lived on the estate since the 12th century.

Working for a full calendar year, Ruth, Alex and Peter rediscover a lost world of skills, crafts and knowledge, assisted by an ever-dwindling band of experts who keep Victorian rural practices alive. Each month and season brings pressing priorities, from tending to livestock and repairing buildings to raising crops, preparing food and crafting furniture and tools. Can they make a success of farming the Victorian way?

New Year arrives and the farm needs emergency repairs. So the team goes back to DIY basics, with the help of the woodsman, the blacksmith and the basket maker. Ruth has a go at some traditional potions and remedies. When the wheat crop comes under attack, it is time for some pest control, Victorian style, as Alex and Peter join a pheasant hunt. Alex goes out catching rabbits with a team of Victorian poachers. And with spring around the corner, the first baby animals are ready to be born.

Broadcasts

1. Thu 22 Jan 2009
   21:00
   BBC Two
2. Sat 24 Jan 2009
   19:00
   BBC Two
3. Tue 3 Mar 2009
   02:05
   BBC One
4. Wed 29 Apr 2009
   20:00
   BBC Four
5. Fri 25 Sep 2009
   19:00
   BBC Two (England only)
6. Sat 26 Sep 2009
   19:35
   BBC Two (Northern Ireland only)