Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Victorian Farm

I thought you might enjoy watching this living history "house" show. It was filmed in England a couple of years ago and was shown originally on the BBC. It recreates a full year of life on a mid-to-late 19th century English farm and participants wear period clothing and use only authentic period tools and techniques.
It's a fascinating watch and, best of all, there is very little "drama" as is featured so prominently in the American version of these 'house' shows.
Anyhow, this series is only available on the English DVD and is, therefore, not playable on our American players. At this time, the only way one can watch and enjoy this six hour series on these shores is by way of You tube - in 10 minute increments. The quality, by the way, is high.
Anyhow, I have provided the link here ~Victorian Farm~ for the first 10 minutes of the first episode. It's up to you to follow up for the rest.
It is a very enjoyable series, one that I hope becomes available here in the states.
Enjoy!

(PS: The book is available on Amazon.com
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7 comments:

Robin's Egg Bleu said...

Thanks Ken, will pop over to take a look at it now!

Stephanie Ann said...

Can't wait to watch it. I know what you mean about the drama. I much prefer realistic issues and situations. I thought the people in Colonial house acted very un-colonial.

Historical Ken said...

I hated - absolutely DESPISED - Colonial House.
Ranch House wasn't too far behind Colonial House. Garbage.
I actually didn't mind Frontier House, even with the whiny Californians and the Tennessee couple's drama. Not sure why, but I did like it.
For the most part, however, it seems that PBS just wanted drama instead of a 'can they do it' attitude.

Historical Ken said...

Robin and Stephanie - I'm interested in your thoughts (and any others who read this) on Victorian Farm after you watch it.

Amy said...

I love those shows. I've watched almost all of the "House" reality shows. Some of I've liked. Some I've loathed. (Colonial house! Blech!) Wasn't the first one 1900 house? I can't remember.

Anyway - thanks for the link! I didn't know this existed.

Amy

Shan said...

Dearest Ken,

Thank you so much for the link for Victorian Farm...it was wonderful!

I have enjoyed Edwardian Farm by the same 3 historians.

There is also Victorian Pharmacy, which I haven't had a chance to view.

Ken, you would be so wonderful on a show like this...wouldn't it be fun to live for an entire year in the past? I swoon, yes, swoon at that possiblity.

American Victorian Farm....sounds so nice! Anyone from PBS reading? Hint, hint.

Yours so very kindredly,
Shan
Honey Hill Farm

Historical Ken said...

Amy, You are very welcome! And we are in total agreement on Colonial House! What a waste of precious life minutes that I'll never get back!

Shan, Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I would absolutely LOVE the attempt to live in the mid-19th century, although I would want to do so without cameras.
American Farm could be interesting, as long as the BBC produced it. Producers of the American house shows look for drama rather than authenticity.
I wasn't aware of the other shows you mentioned - I will check them out.