Ep 2. Episode 2

In Victorian Farm season 1 episode 2, the team of historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn continue their work on the farm, exploring the daily life of a Victorian farmer and his family.

The episode begins with the team arriving at the farm, where they are introduced to their latest task – hand-milking a cow. Ruth, Alex, and Peter quickly learn that milking a cow is no easy feat, with the process requiring a lot of patience and skill. They soon discover that the milk they have collected is not suitable for drinking, as it contains bacteria that can cause illness. Instead, the milk is used to make cheese, which Ruth, Alex, and Peter attempt to do using traditional Victorian techniques.

The team also continues their work on the fields, planting potatoes and turnips using a horse-drawn plow. They quickly discover that working with horses is a skill that takes time to master, as the team struggles to control the animals and keep them on track. Despite the difficulties, they manage to successfully plant the crops, which will provide much-needed food for the farm over the winter months.

In addition to working on the fields, the team also turns their attention to the kitchen garden, where they attempt to grow a range of vegetables using traditional Victorian techniques. They discover that gardening requires a lot of hard work and attention to detail, with tasks such as weeding and watering needing to be done regularly to ensure a successful crop.

Elsewhere on the farm, the team explores the role of the Victorian farmer's wife, who was responsible for a range of tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for the family. Ruth tries her hand at cooking a traditional Victorian dish – a rabbit stew – using only ingredients that would have been available at the time. Despite having to contend with a temperamental wood-fired stove, Ruth manages to create a delicious meal that would have been enjoyed by many Victorian families.

As the day draws to a close, the team reflects on their experiences on the farm and the challenges they have faced. They discuss the importance of preserving traditional farming methods and the role of history in understanding the world today.

Overall, Victorian Farm season 1 episode 2 is an engaging and informative look at life on a Victorian farm. Through their work on the farm, Ruth, Alex, and Peter provide a fascinating insight into the daily life of a Victorian farmer and their family, highlighting the importance of hard work, skill, and innovation in creating a successful farm.