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.

Network
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

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Paranormal Caught on Camera
Running

Paranormal Caught on Camera

Some of the most amazing, eye-opening and downright scary paranormal videos from around the world are featured as a panel of experts break down the footage and analyze what exactly the eyewitnesses captured.

GenreHorror, Mystery, Supernatural
WWE Monday Night RAW
Running

WWE Monday Night RAW

WWE Monday Night RAW is World Wrestling Entertainment's (formerly the WWF and the WWWF before that) premiere wrestling event and brand. Since its launch in 1993, WWE Monday Night RAW continues to air live on Monday nights. It is generally seen as the company's flagship program due to its prolific history, high ratings, weekly live format, and emphasis on pay-per-views. Monday Night RAW is high profile enough to attract frequent visits from celebrities who usually serve as guest hosts for a single live event. Since its first episode, the show has been broadcast live or recorded from more than 197 different arenas in 165 cities and towns in seven different nations: including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom twice a year, Afghanistan for a special Tribute to the Troops, Germany, Japan, Italy and Mexico.

Matlock
Running

Matlock

After achieving success in her younger years, the brilliant septuagenarian Madeline Matlock rejoins the work force at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases and expose corruption from within.

GenreDrama, Mystery, Legal
The Ark
Running

The Ark

The Ark takes place 100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. The first of these missions on a spacecraft known as Ark One encounters a catastrophic event causing massive destruction and loss of life. With more than a year left to go before reaching their target planet, a lack of life-sustaining supplies and loss of leadership, the remaining crew must become the best versions of themselves to stay on course and survive.

GenreDrama, Science-Fiction
Revival
Running

Revival

Revival is set on one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin when the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves. But this is no zombie story as the "revived" appear and act just like they once were. When local Officer and single mother Dana Cypress is unexpectedly thrown into the center of a brutal murder mystery of her own, she's left to make sense of the chaos amidst a town gripped by fear and confusion where everyone, alive or undead, is a suspect.

GenreCrime, Science-Fiction, Mystery
* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!