Tales of the Green Valley explores life on a 17th century English farm. Produced and directed by Peter Sommer, this 12 x 1/2-hour television documentary drew huge audiences and received critical acclaim. The story of the Green Valley tells of the five men who farmed for a full year, striving to use the tools, skills and techniques of Stuart’s time in the reign of James I.
Everything has to be done by hand, from plowing the fields with a team of cattle using replica era plows, roofing the cowsheds using only real materials, to making your own laundry detergent for the laundry room, and harvesting hay and wheat with a scythe and scythe. Each of Lion TV’s 12 half-hour programs for BBC Wales follows a month in life on a Welsh frontier farm.
Far from reality TV, these beautifully filmed shows indulge in the rich history of the period, the English countryside, how it changes with the seasons and, of course, the food. Each episode features a dinner featuring historic breeds and breeds of animals, fruits and vegetables, following 400-year-old recipes drawn from housewife diaries, farming manuals and more.
The five specialists wear casual clothes – because it’s practical, real work clothes, the men wear breeches so their bums don’t get wet and the women wear long, thick skirts to keep the thorns out Wear and keep you warm.
