Wartime Farm

Wartime Farm (2012)

EndedDocumentary showFood, History

Historian Ruth Goodman and archaeologists Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn face up to the challenges of the biggest revolution ever seen in the history of the British countryside as they turn Manor Farm back tohow it was run in the Second World War. When Britain entered the war, two-thirds of all Britain's food was imported - and now it was under threat from a Nazi blockade. To save Britain from starvation, the nation's farmers were tasked with doubling food production in what Churchill called 'the frontline of freedom'. This meant ploughing up 6.5 million acres of unused land - a combined area bigger than the whole of Wales.

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Scheduleevery Thursday at 20:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Episode 8
Season 1Episode 860 min

Episode 8

The team face the conditions of 1945 and prepare to tackle the most crucial event of their farming year: harvesting the wheat crop. They grapple with weeds, one of the wettest summers in memory and wartime machinery to bring the crop home, but take a giant leap into the modern era with the arrival of a 1940s combined harvester.

As ever, on the wartime farm the goalposts are constantly moving. The team discover that as the conflict drew to a close, the need for home-grown food became greater than ever. Exploring countryside memories of VE Day, they discover how pressure on farmers increased throughout the final dramatic year of conflict.

Victory in Europe meant that Britain had to share the responsibility for feeding populations across the war-torn continent whose food supplies had been devastated. On top of that, as soon as the war ended, American aid stopped. The financial cost of war left Britain bankrupt and struggling to afford imports, leading to a burden on farmers that remained long after the war finished. Rationing lasted well into the 1950s.

As a fitting send off, the team celebrate the harvest with a 'Holiday at Home' - inspired by a government scheme to encourage exhausted workers to make the most of time off without travelling anywhere. Alex has a surprise up his sleeve to make the party go with a bang, as the team prepare to leave the Wartime Farm.

Oct 25, 2012

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E08Episode 8Oct 25, 2012
S01E07Episode 7Oct 18, 2012
S01E06Episode 6Oct 11, 2012
S01E05Episode 5Oct 4, 2012
S01E04Episode 4Sep 27, 2012
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

What are the names of the historians who host the show, 'Wartime Farm'?

Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands, and Peter Ginn are the historians who host 'Wartime Farm'.

What is the premise of 'Wartime Farm'?

'Wartime Farm' is a historical television series that explores how farmers in the United Kingdom coped with food shortages during World War II.

When and where did 'Wartime Farm' premiere?

'Wartime Farm' premiered on September 6, 2012, on BBC Two in the United Kingdom.

What was the objective of the government\u2019s \u201cDig for Victory\u201d campaign during World War II?

The government\u2019s \u201cDig for Victory\u201d campaign during World War II aimed to encourage citizens to grow their own produce and reduce the reliance on imported food.

Why was rationing introduced during World War II in the UK?

Rationing was introduced during World War II in the UK to deal with shortages of food and other essential goods.

What was the purpose of the Land Army during World War II?

The Land Army was established during World War II to provide a workforce for farming and agriculture. The program employed women and girls to work on farms and play their part in the war effort.

What were some of the common substitutes for sugar during World War II rationing?

Some of the common substitutes for sugar during World War II rationing were saccharin, honey, and treacle or golden syrup.

How did farmers cope with the shortage of labor during World War II?

Farmers coped with the shortage of labor during World War II by utilizing new machinery, such as tractors, and employing prisoners of war.

How did the government encourage people to repair their clothing instead of throwing it away during World War II?

The government encouraged people to repair their clothing instead of throwing it away during World War II by issuing a slogan, "Make Do and Mend", which became a popular catchphrase.

Cast

Ruth Goodman

Ruth Goodman

plays herself
Alex Langlands

Alex Langlands

plays himself
Peter Ginn

Peter Ginn

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Historian

Historian

played by Ruth Goodman
Archaeologist

Archaeologist

played by Alex Langlands
Archaeologist

Archaeologist

played by Peter Ginn
View all characters

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