Victorian Farm- BBC2

By trying to escape the daily drudgery of life by relaxing to some television, it's easy to forget how different life was some 200 years ago.

It's hard to feel sorry for yourself (and your aching feet) when watching 21st Century archaeologists and domestic historians slogging their guts out at a Victorian farm... The progression of farming and its related technology is explored using local craftsmen and historians, as the team of three continue to live authentically as Victorians for the year.

Set to the lush backdrop of The Acton Hall Estate, Shropshire, Goodman, Langlands and Ginn pit themselves against the elements in an attempt to live life the Victorian way. For starters, they have to restore a dilapitated farmhouse (uninhabited for 50 years!)and forage for food and kindling, before they can even thing of getting livestock (or a hot meal)!

This is not your usual nostalgic 'tea towel history' documentary. This program highlights the back-breaking, labour intensive chores the everyday Victorian farmer (and his wife) encountered in order to sustain both themselves, their farm, and their livestock. But, despite the grim truth, certain matters hit home. By highlighting the lost art of family entertainment such as parlour games, it defines the importance of simple things we modern-folk take for granted- such as daylight!

To me this is absolutely fascinting, as I have a profound interest in the Victorian era. But I can't help but be overwhelmed with a certain sense of sadness when I watch programmes such as this. It highlights the importance of the individual before, during and after the industrial revolution, as well as keeping community spirit alive through the local parish.

Both human and animal labour were becoming obsolete, making way for steam technology in the wake of the industrial revolution.
I'll certainly keep following this series that demonstrates the way that all societies are shaped through the food production process.