BBC's long-forgotten Victorian Farm series is your gentle new binge watch
The British historical series first aired back in 2009 and captivated the nation.
Victorian Farm aired on the BBC back in the 2000s (Image: BBC)
Audiences looking for a show to take them back to simpler times can stop searching now. Prime Video has a hidden gem of a series that’s perfect for those who enjoy Clarkson’s Farm and Countryfile. Victorian Farm was broadcast on the BBC back in 2009. The programme followed a team of experts as they embarked on a project to live and work as if they were on a farm in the Victorian era.
- Britain’s oldest farming couple make sad admission about Channel 5 show earnings
- Farmer loses it at Andy Burnham live on TV in scathing rant
The Victorian Farm team lived as if they were in the 19th century for a whole year (Image: BBC)
The trio: archaeologist Peter Ginn, historian Ruth Goodman, and lecturer, archaeologist and historian Alex Langlands all had different roles on the farm on the Acton Scott estate in Shropshire.
The Acton family, who have lived on the estate since the 12th century, collected farming tools and machinery dating back to the Victorian era that the three history experts would use as part of the documentary.
Over the course of the docuseries, audiences see how the group work and try to make the farm a success.
The BBC page for the show states: “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 group used steam-powered machinery as the Victorian era entered the industrial revolution, which saw much change during their period.
A number of viewers have praised the series on IMDB as one person posted in their 10/10 review, stating that Victorian Farm was an “Excellent insight into the past”.
They went on to say: “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.”
Victorian Farm used 19th century agricultural methods (Image: BBC)
A second wrote in their 9/10 review: “I loved this show! Hope another like it will materialize [sic].”
A third person noted in their 9/10 star review: “All those who talk about off grid must see this.”
Adding: “These people are doing the actual sustainable off grid life. Tis a hard life.”
While a fourth person wrote on the platform: “If you like history, or just a relaxing informative watch, would definitely recommend.”
The success of Victorian Farm led to a three-episode festive special called Victorian Farm Christmas, where the threesome returned to the estate a year later for a 19th-century-style Yuletide celebration.
Victorian Farm also led to the sequel series Edwardian Farm, Wartime Farm, and Tudor Monastery Farm.