Historic Working Farm lands starring role in new TV series

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, located between Ludlow and Shrewsbury, in Shropshire, was the star turn in a BBC TV series.

Victorian Farm, produced by Lion Television, was transmitted by the BBC in January 2009, and was shown over six weeks on BBC2.

Described as an "historical observational documentary", Victorian Farm followed a team of people who effectively steped back in time, to the turn of the last century. Filmed during the course of a year, they used only materials and resources that were available in Victorian times - to tend to livestock, repair buildings, prepare food and make furniture and food.

David Upshal, executive producer for Lion Television notes: "The Victorian period was a pivotal time in Britain's agricultural history. In the same vein as Lion's recent BBC commission History Detectives, Victorian Farm will seek to make new discoveries about a lost way of life."

Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn were seen being assisted by various specialists and experts during the series.

Councillor Barbara Craig, Cabinet Member for Community Services, Shropshire County Council said, “I am delighted that Acton Scott has been chosen for this television project. This is a great opportunity for Shropshire to promote its local heritage.”

During 2009 a new television programme, Escape in Time, was filmed in and around Acton Scott Historic Working Farm. Presented by Ben Fogle, this programme shows modern day families competing against one another by undertaking Victorian day tasks. This series of 20 shows is due to be aired Spring 2010 on BBC TV.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm operated by Shropshire Council is recognised as one of the premier farming heritage attractions in the UK. Caught in a time warp, deep within the Shropshire Hills, it retains all the atmosphere of daily life on a late Victorian upland farm.

Part museum, part visitor attraction, it works hard today at keeping many traditional countryside skills alive, and stages various special events throughout the year. Blacksmiths, farriers, wheelwrights, dairy maids and farm staff can also be seen in action at the farm most days.

Set to re-open to visitors on March 30th 2010, the Farm has also benefited from a recent £1.75 million redevelopment programme, which means that everyone visiting will enjoy a much improved "visitor experience" - starting at a new, landmark Gateway Building, which will include a small welcome area, as well as an impressive new space for groups, courses and visitors in general.

Other developments include the creation of a new Skills Workshop; the transformation of the Schoolhouse Café; a new Cartshed, which will better preserve – and better display – key vehicles and machines used throughout the season; improved interpretation panels, signage, and access; and the hiring of a Trainee Wagonner, who will work in tandem with the farm's very own shire horse.

The £1.75 million development scheme has been financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and Shropshire County Council.

"These are very exciting times for us," says Visitor Manager Michael Turner. "The timing of the new series couldn’t be better. It's sure to capture the atmosphere of the farm, and now we're better equipped than ever before for a new influx of visitors."

For more information about Acton Scott contact Michael Turner, Visitor Manager on 0345 6789024 or email: michael.turner@shropshire.gov.uk

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