Tudor Monastery Farm

Tudor Monastery Farm is a captivating historical documentary television series from Lion Television, aired on the BBC in 2013. This intriguing series, as the name suggests, is set during the Tudor period - a timestamp in British history commonly associated with King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and events such as the start of the English Reformation. However, this series doesn't focus on the grandeur of royalty. Instead, it vividly presents a comprehensive insight into the everyday lives of the ordinary people of the era, concentrating on rural life in a monastic farm.

The show follows historians Ruth Goodman, Peter Ginn, and Tom Pinfold as they spend a whole calendar year on a farm that would be associated with a Tudor Monastic grange, a farm owned and administered by a monastic community. Their aim is to run the farm using the same tools and techniques available during the Tudor era, thus recreating and living the everyday lives of ordinary people during this period. This unique concept allows viewers to embark upon a journey back in time and gain a realistic understanding of Tudor life from the grassroots perspective, a side of history that often goes unexplored.

As the farm is a monastic one, the series inherently reflects on the significance and influence of the church on agriculture and livelihood before Henry VIII’s Reformation. The historians work on various farming duties including crop cultivation, animal breeding, and tool making, adhering strictly to the manual methods and resources of the Tudor period. They manage the land, take care of various traditional livestock breeds, and try their hands at Tudor craft-making.

However, Tudor Monastery Farm isn't just about farming. Viewers also get to explore the social hierarchies, seasonal festivities, and the day-to-day tasks necessary for survival such as cooking, clothing, and nursing the sick. This aspect brings a holistic appreciation for the struggles, memories, and achievements of our ancestors.

Ruth Goodman, a renowned social and domestic historian, takes on domestic responsibilities. She attempts to understand and recreate Tudor hospitality, clothing, and food sourced directly from the farm. Her work in the show builds upon her extensive experience in experimental archeology and living history, leading to engaging narratives and copious amounts of learning for the viewers.

Peter Ginn, a history graduate and archaeology enthusiast, along with archeologist Tom Pinfold, engage in agricultural tasks. They not only familiarize themselves with period-specific farming techniques, animal husbandry, and building techniques but also tackle artistic Tudor trades such as falconry and the use of firearms.

Both enlightening and enthralling, Tudor Monastery Farm accurately shows how the Tudor period was a transitional period in England’s agricultural history. It demonstrates how new tools, techniques, crops, and animal breeds originating from different parts of the world started to be introduced widely in England. It is a perfect amalgamation of history and reality that showcases the evolution of farming methodologies, socio-economic transitions, and cultural shifts.

Described as historically accurate, immensely educative, and entertaining, the series expands perspectives on Tudor England beyond the usual narratives revolving around courtly power, religious strife, and the celebrated monarchs and major personalities of the era. It is a visual spectacle that showcases the harsh and humbling reality of survival during the Tudor period, complete with meticulous period costumes and immersive filming locations.

Tudor Monastery Farm thus provides a rare and intimate insight into the forgotten aspects of the Tudor era. It is perfect for fans of history, agriculture, and reality shows alike - essentially, those who appreciate an authentic, immersive exploration of the past. Through their unique experiments and experiences, Goodman, Ginn, and Pinfold bring a bygone era to life, shedding light on the daily struggles and triumphs of our ancestors. It makes for an enthralling watch that blends entertainment and learning seamlessly, meeting the interests of historians, students, and the general audience alike.