In glorious South Shropshire, the ‘Historic Working Farm’ on the Acton Scott Estate played host to the BBC television series ‘Victorian Farm’. Gabriel loved the show – which was brilliantly produced- so we took him for the weekend to experience the real thing.
We stayed in ‘Ruth’s house’ – the setting for many scenes in the series – which is perfectly preserved, with no sign of change since the 19th Century. There is no electricity. Your only choice for cooking and heating is the cast iron range. Gabriel bathed in a tin bath in front of the fire. Romantic bliss for a few nights, but had we lingered for any longer, the coal smoke and constant hand-washing would have rapidly eroded its charm. The past has much to offer, but modern technology has freed us from domestic slavery.
Happily Gabriel also got to meet the Shire horse ‘Clomper’, and was rather star-struck by the landlord, Mr Acton Junior
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Shepherds Hut
The honest beauty of agricultural buildings
Look at that floor!
