"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 are rediscovering a
lost world of skills, crafts and knowledge, assisted by an ever-dwindling band
of experts who keep Victorian rural practices alive.
The team move into a Victorian smallholding on the Acton Scott estate that
has not been used in nearly half a century. Their first task is the restoration
of the cottage. As incoming tenants, they help thresh the previous summer's
wheat crop, their first experience of steam-powered machinery. Alex attempts to
sow a wheat crop using horse-power. Ruth and Peter install a range in the
cottage and take a trip to the canals to load up on coal. It's time for the
apple harvest, so Alex and Peter turn their hand to making cider. Ruth explores
the challenges of Victorian cooking by making preserves ready for winter and
cooks her first meal on the range. And the team must learn shepherding skills
the hard way as the first livestock arrive on the farm - a flock of Shropshire
ewes."
I adore this series, as watching it is a bit like getting a private history lesson - housewifery and animal husbandry are brought to life along with nearly forgotten crafts, skills and traditions.
Here's the link to the first episode. 