A Day In The Life Of An Edwardian Family | Turn Back Time: The Family | Absolute History

Three families experience life across five different eras of British history. The Edwardian era pushes the three modern families to their limits.
There is a rude awakening for the Polo-playing Meadows family, who take on the role of being an Edwardian working-class family and must cope with the impact of poverty on their lives, as they and their two daughters adapt to a new role as breadwinners.
The Taylor family live the lives of their ancestors as an upper-middle-class Edwardian household. Formality and etiquette mean the Taylor family must live very separate lives and mum Adele struggles as her familiar role as wife and working mum is stripped away.
Finally, the Golding family are desperately hanging on to their newly acquired social status as a middle-class family, but for dad Ian it is a chance to put his theories on the benefits of discipline into practice.
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[@AbsoluteHistory]

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[@junemarie5965]

The country is nice and good

[@junemarie5965]

User see see how they lived now we live ungrateful Ness and evil and no discipline and my god they need discipline and order sq

[@barnarddupreez2563]

@@junemarie5965 0000000⁰0⁰0⁰⁰

[@joudalbaker5893]

Can I get a link to add subtitles to this video? thank you

[@mallorylewis1418]

I hope you guys see this!! Where did the aprons come from used in this video?? Thanks!

[@katethielen3883]

"The historian has come to tell the family why they are poor" *Sits down* Historian: You are poor. Family: Dang it

[@waikatomapper3644]

Lol

[@josiahcole3186]

😂 😂

[@mzjamm2]

I love the fact that the families went to the houses they had to!!!

[@joy7218]

You are poor 🤣😂

[@Karamelaki]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kokonana4086]

Saskia really teaches me not to judge people by their appearances. I first thought that she and her family would have the hardest since they have such a comfortable upper middle class life in the present days. Yet, it turns out that she and her father are such fighters. Very good attitude and very well adjusted girl indeed.

[@melchristensen8282]

They're definitely upper middle class, but they also work with horses and horses are hard (and often physically demanding) work. It also helps that they know this isn't a permanent life for them. They have a light at the end of the tunnel. Imagine lower/working class people trapped in the Edwardian era. What a grueling life that must have been.

[@starcharx9139]

100%! they seem to really appreciate what they have and what we take for granted nowadays and were really headstrong

[@aanon5716]

dont forget hes a self made man, so he worked his way up to success & obviously instilled all those attributes into his kids.

[@Juniper122]

They are a great family. They make it through every challenge. Watch the 70s episode it was really good.

[@trenae77]

They regarded themselves as a team before they ever faced this challenge!

[@OmbraLaLupa]

"Don't talk back to me" "Oh, sorry, I tought that you asked a question" Best comeback ever!! I'll Remember it for future talks with my father 😂

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

The father would of come down on her like a tunn of bricks 😡😡😡

[@alisa4407]

And why is he being so mean??? :(

[@Raja-bz4yw]

@@alisa4407 he's not that's just how things were back then

[@bennygoat]

@@charliesmith_ Apparently USA Tv single handedly taught the kids of the world to be less respectful, despite kids being disobedient being something even complained about by bronze-age Greek writers Truth is, people have just learnt to treat their partners and kids with MUTUAL respect and love as attitudes have changed, and any husband who complains about his wife giving lip doesn't deserve a wife

[@Catglittercrafts]

@@charliesmith_ you need therapy.

[@Lily-yb8ou]

The Dad of the middle class family was getting waaaay too into his role

[@famousfia]

He was given a book with instructions though, probably just had to follow them...

[@connieh6136]

Yes I thought the same and he’s really enjoying it too definitely a mans world back in the day 😄

[@phuckyoutube5927]

@@connieh6136 he said he didn't like it at all though.

[@freelancelady]

Well it looks like he is taking revenge on his children. I said finally I was waiting to be heard...

[@TaylorJohnson1]

His wife probably emasculates him at home.

[@KDAlaska]

Saskia really nailed it! I thought she'd pitch a fit but she did what needed to be done and did it with a good attitude. The Taylor's were a sweet family!

[@jerseegrl2]

I agree! I was expecting her to be the one to complain and slack off the most. Just because of her age. She really stepped it up that’s for sure!

[@LDrosophila]

The Meadows raised two wonderful people.

[@thornyback]

I came here to praise Saskia for not shirking away from lowest-class scullery scrubbing fresh from her very posh upper-class life.

[@TxcaBxbbles]

Yeah

[@tUiDo4]

Honestly that "working class" third level house STILL exist to this day. Only thing that's changed is the environment, but people are still out there struggling, barely making ends meat. Having to grind day to day to make the daily bread, not knowing what will tomorrow bring. The era might be different and the luxury may be different, but the level of the classes still hasn't changed.

[@AdmiringObserverR]

Yes the grinding is just a different kind for some

[@Mythical4227]

Though, there has been an expansion in middle class and available healthcare.

[@briannat3546]

Well said

[@nette9836]

The level of classes has not changed but the level of poverty has. Poverty means something far different today than back in the day. Many still struggle but on a whole, poverty in the modern, western world still means a roof over one's head, running and clean water, and a bed. That was not the case for the whole of human history leading up to this point so it is important to be aware but also grateful of our fortunate modern circumstances.

[@Mythical4227]

@@nette9836 Interesting, thanks for this information! I’ll be using this to widen my perspective.

[@kaelaleedaley]

I'm not sure who is coaching the families (Especially the more upwardly mobile) but Edwardian Families DID spend time together and weren't governed by Nannies and Housekeepers when they chose to spend time together! These people were in their employ, the Lady of the house gave the orders! A Lady was busy, not just with managing the running of the house and servants, but with philanthropy and with callers. Upper class men went to the Music Hall with their Wives (if she approved of the show or music halls in general). Middle Class Children were able to access every room of their home and were expected to help their Mother in keeping house. Middle class men embraced and played with their children! All families had their differences, just as they do now! The Middle Class guy is on one heck of a power trip, his poor wife and kids! Xx

[@SuperBluCat]

Oh my gosh, I was think the same things! A Lady of the House would've been just as busy, if not busier than her husband: since she was to run household, plan social engagements, receive and pay social calls, and it was fashionable to be in activities outside the home like a ladies club. The only ones who seem to be in the 'correct' way of doing things are the lower class family, just simply because their daughters are of working age.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

Yes!!! It’s as if they have taken a small feature of each class and magnified it into a caricature to the exclusion of the other 99% of life! So unrealistic! I found myself muttering to my phone (much to the the dismay of my dog) all throughout and more as time went on. And I found it particularly annoying that the family who had the best circumstances whined and complained constantly.

[@kaelaleedaley]

@@Lucinda_Jackson Lucinda Hun, we seem to be of one mind! Xx

[@kaelaleedaley]

@@SuperBluCat Yes, Black Cat - preach it! Xx

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

@@kaelaleedaley Absolutely! And while they mostly dwelt on restrictions to behavior, the lady from No 1 went out for a bike ride improperly dressed and without a hat. Um, nope.

[@haraank4905]

When I saw that little one cry because of the elbows scene ... literally made me cry too. This kind of experiments are too much for young children. That little kid is used to be surrounded by love, care and nice treatment coming from his parents, and he suddenly had to see his dad treating him like that. When you are that young, that literally feels like your dad doesn't love you anymore

[@barbarat5729]

AND you never forget it. No matter how much it may be explained to him later in life when they think he can grasp it, he will simply remember how it made him feel.

[@trenae77]

@@barbarat5729 "It was for a TV show" doesn't exactly reassure a four - six year old when they have to go an extended period with a parent who has suddenly shifted gears in how he reacts. You're totally on with your comment; something perhaps the father should have considered before going into this project. The mother kept her cool fairly well, I think.

[@jesseward568]

@@barbarat5729 My dad treated us like that all the time in the 1990s. I feel like it's a personality thing more than the period it's set in. Dad would always say "I love you very much" because that is the culture of 1990s New Zealand, but he was, in reality, very cold. He would regularly demean and mock us. And when he had depression mum would whine and blame us. She would try to get us to play with him to make him feel better. Some parents in the Edwardian period may have been warm and kind but never said "I love you very much" because of the culture. But that's just societal expectation. Despite the ritual and set up, the personality and warmth of the parent (or lack thereof) would have formed the reality of the relationship. I was a basket case in my early 20s. Absolutely nuts and eccentric because of the cold upbringing.

[@frahn1702]

So shoot me. I don’t think there is anything wrong with teaching children table manners.

[@trenae77]

@@frahn1702 oh there’s absolutely nothing wrong with little ones learning manners. It’s the way he’s going about it: the kids have spent their early years in a home where their parents are lenient and open, and the kids can come to them with any question or concern. Now, all of a sudden, their father has turned harsh and uncaring. My parents taught my brother and I table manners through guidance and encouragement. Let’s even say this was a typical middle class Victorian family to begin with; a child of four would be accustomed to the father’s coldness and expectations. It’s just the fact this man is taking the excuse of “this is how it’s supposed to be” as an excuse rather than addressing the true issue at hand. He could have easily asked for time off camera to reassure his little one that Daddy loves him, that this is a game they were playing, and if he’s extra good, then they’ll do something special after.

[@Tahia213]

I was very impressed with Saskia, her can do attitude, very family oriented, willing to do the hard chores and some sacrifices to make it easier for her parents, while being a good hardworking teammate in the house. She was so good she was able to be quickly promoted and to refer her sister.

[@bonniebluebell5940]

She was very impressive indeed for a 21st century gal. She seems to have taken naturally (almost eerily) to the role.

[@alking7655]

From the introduction of the families, it doesn't surprise me really. While they may have more luxuries at home (and by her own admission, not have to, or do much housework), when and where they can, they help their parents run a polo business. Managing that many horses, stabling and the jobs involved can be a fair deal of work, for which they have reaped rewards. But yes, I'm glad to see she took the hard work ethic route and not a spoilt bratty attitude. Cliche, but it definitely shows that you don't judge a book by its cover.

[@alyssaguillite9999]

She’s inspiring in the first two episodes

[@starcharx9139]

39:33 really touched me he looked down upon the whole working class family and envied them because they were all together and he wanted his family around him he was so affected by this it just shows your family beats money

[@Skye_Writer]

He only got to take his whole family because his daughters were of age to go. He could have taken his wife and his eldest daughter with him if he'd thought to do so. Who the hell is coaching these families and WHERE did they get their info from? This just seems like stereotypes. Will it help the families learn to appreciate one another more? The hope is yes, it will. But the show seems to have gone out of their way to place these families in circumstances so opposite to the ones they've known that yeah, they will have these epiphanies.

[@dorishho3107]

@@Skye_Writer ok

[@1onecrazycat]

@@Skye_Writer Thanks…I was wondering why Mr Taylor was alone and they didn’t explain it.

[@fabledfantasty7343]

The British have such awesome series, too bad they don't do things like this in the US.

[@chrisransdell8110]

PBS did a series of much more in depth version of these (some in coop with BBC). 1900's house, 1940's house and my personal favorite, Colonial house are all very good. They spend like 6 weeks living in one era and one role. This series is kind of a breezy fast version with 1 week per era.

[@onnalynn7004]

You can always watch almost any of our shows on MANY different video platforms, websites, etc. Or order them online... If u have a VPN you can watch even more, and from all over the world at that. But I agree. These types of shows are absolutely brilliant imo. I can't really get into all those daft modern "reality" TV shows made in, mainly, America...I would much prefer these. Although America does make many movies I am very keen of. (Like all the Marvel movies, HTTYD, etc...the list is awfully long. And of course I appreciate them translating all my beloved Anime for me.) But cheers to you for appreciating our shows! I know I prefer English made shows most definitely.

[@AnjaliDandriyal]

What exactly can Americans re-enact? Fighting the Natives? Slave trade? Wild wild west, of which countless movies have been made? Endless wars?

[@mkayyhub]

That actually sounds like it’s be pretty depressing, no one wants to watch their reenact the terrible origins of this country, ya know ?

[@fabledfantasty7343]

@@AnjaliDandriyal Who said anything about "re-enacting" the horrors of American history, df?

[@sarahjayne6132]

I’m sure they did it for the drama, but Mr. Taylor could’ve taken his wife to the music hall. That was the idea back then, she could go if she was escorted.

[@readMEinkbooks]

I agree, I don't believe that Mr Taylor wouldn't have taken his wife with him.

[@brt5273]

Very unrealistic that she would have done nothing but sit in the house. It would have been common for her to have a daily walkabout and to call on other ladies, as well as be involved in social groups, charities, and enjoy a bit of luxury shopping.

[@narudayo5053]

@@brt5273 well they are suppose to live on the shoes of their ancestors

[@brt5273]

@@narudayo5053 I don't know what your response to my comment is supposed to mean. Women were very socially active during this period, so the idea that she was forced to sit at home is erroneous.

[@dewilew2137]

@@brt5273 I can’t imagine how they’d be able to recreate the necessary components to make all of that possible. They did the best they could, and it was fantastic and accurate enough. Relax.

[@nicolecaldwell9413]

Lily Taylor understood the assignment at the end. She said her mother wasn't having any fun and her parents probably missed them more than the kids missed the parents. A very grown up thought and she was able to understand and empathize with mom and dad.

[@SarahGreen523]

Gotta say Saskia won the day for gritting her teeth and getting stuck in with a good attitude. Her sister might learn a thing from her. She's lucky the Housekeeper was generous. China was very, very dear and a scullery maid might get her ears boxed for being so careless, along with having her wages garnished for that. I'm impressed with the Meadow's attitude. That dad is doing his best at some real dirty jobs for a pittance.

[@donna6368]

Please forgive my ignorance. I've never heard of the phrase, "Getting her ears boxed". Could you tell me what that means??? Is it like a beating?

[@looloo4029]

@@donna6368 yes, a bit of a slap around the sides of the head.

[@donna6368]

@@looloo4029 Thank you for being so kind and responding.☺

[@patriciarouse2801]

@@donna6368 a blow to both ears at the same time.

[@trenae77]

@@donna6368 If you're not familiar with British Slang - or historical conversation in general - it's not a term you'd be familiar with. Quite common in Dickens and the sort, but not a term with which the average 21st century watcher would be familiar. As to ignorance, I think that term is too harsh here ... I'd say yours was more a matter of unfamiliarity, since you were wise and willing enough to ask rather than just go on wondering. :-) I always told my students "If you don't know, ask - it makes you look smarter than trying to make something up on the test later on!"

[@LauraDoesNotExist]

I love how foreboding the Nanny was when she first appeared, but it was genuinely heartwarming to see her melt into putty with those adorable kids. Seeing them all play at the beach was unexpectedly sweet, even though my heart really went out for the mother who was left out! 😕

[@rabbitramen]

They nailed it with the stereotypical appearance of the cold and humorless spinster of a head housekeeper, right down to the granny glasses.

[@jennicasalyards6277]

You all are being so hard on that middle class dad. Yes he was eager to be strict and hard at first, but when he saw the effect it actually had, he did a hard stop and was anxious to enjoy his children.

[@YahwehisGodandYeshuaisKingiamr]

yea i agree

[@Jakegothicsnake]

Though, I gotta be honest, his portrayal of "strict" wasn't quite that strict in my personal opinion. Sure he was particularly firm on the kids when he got home from work and they were all in the kitchen, but most of the time, he did use his pleases and thank yous. That part where he said to his wife "Don't talk back to me." was rude though.......

[@lyricl6808]

@@Jakegothicsnake the "get ur albows off the table" when he had his albows on the table annoyed me😭

[@alking7655]

Yes, it's a very 'George Banks' of Disney "Mary Poppins" look at first. Likes the firmness, but then realises how aloof he becomes from his family.

[@carolynmayo8182]

My maternal grands worked during Edwardian era. My maternal grandmother was the head housekeeper at one of the Rothchild’s estates where she met my grandfather who was at first the head groom and then became Mr. Rothchild’s chauffeur and became well versed in the mechanics of the automobile. I guess you could say they were middle class, but they got restless and emigrated to Canada and then to Boston, MA., with their 2 little girls they were allowed to have while working at the estate. They had their own cottage on the estate grounds. A rarity but had the most generous employers. We still have my grandmothers “Book of the House” which lists menus, floral arrangements, plates to be used, and on and on. It is a most precious item we have as a reflection of her duties.

[@williamkimmel6487]

How absolutely wonderful 😊 Kim

[@MrsSlocombesPuddyCat]

Would love to hear more about that book.... it sounds fascinating

[@MoondustManwise]

I wish there was a scan of it online to read!

[@danndidntask4057]

the rothchilds paid you to write this and they paid me to write this

[@Jojo-vv9ue]

The scullery maid has an accent higher in class than the family she's serving 😂

[@rosieallbon6704]

I’m so impressed with Saskia.... she was respectful of the times and she got on with it. And her sister; helping her mum... awesome.

[@jkn8705]

Hopefully that beautiful, green wallpaper is arsenic free! 😆 As an American, I find this series absolutely fascinating. ❤️

[@allissonjacobisaacson6190]

Same here. I got so excited to show my husband this had showed up, and he..... just doesn't get it. Anything with the British accent or history and its like a whole new language that he cannot understand

[@OofusTwillip]

That's modern William Morris wallpaper. The original version of it was loaded with arsenic. William Morris refused to believe that arsenic in wallpaper, fabrics, etc. was sickening and killing people. Because his family fortune came from owning the biggest arsenic mine in all of Europe.

[@carolgreathouse7898]

Me too.

[@jkn8705]

@@OofusTwillip I know it's modern paper. I was attempting to be sarcastic. 🤫😁

[@StacyL.]

I thought the same thing about the wallpaper...

[@Athlynne]

Agree with the general sentiment - what a trooper Saskia is. Her parents should be very proud.

[@honeyvitagliano3227]

I just adore these shows where modern day people step back into time.... I can’t wait for the next episode 💞💫

[@peace5576]

Me too!

[@mariamargaritagarcia8049]

I absolutely agree with you . Great show in every single way. We should practice once in a while how to live with less instead of planning every day or week what to buy next. Greetings from Colombia S.A.

[@americansupervillain4595]

"Children should only speak when spoken too" rule obeyed by no child in history.

[@edi9892]

I can give you a super bad example: my mother got beaten every time she spoke out of turn and if it was just for asking for a clarification! It got even worse: she received no s3xual education whatsoever and thought that she was very ill she got her period for the first time. She couldn't just run to her mother and ask her and she got scolded for making a mess. You think it couldn't get any worse? Wrong! On her way from school, she got targeted by a creep and he chased after her butt naked! She ran home and locked the door behind her and couldn't contain herself and told her mother what had just happened. She got smacked so hard that she fell over and was forced to knee in a broomstick with her hands outstretched holding a weight for uttering her irredeemably twisted fantasies and was told that she should keep her mouth shut before she corrupts other kids! Later she got targeted by another creep, a relative(!), and her father saw it and beat that guy up before he could harm my mother. That was Austria in the 1960s! My other family branch still had an arranged marriage around that time to preserve the families name as one of the kids had managed to get a clerk pregnant and it was not even about who did it, but who could be sacrificed, as the first born was expected to take over the shop...

[@VeraBean]

I grew up with that rule. You quickly learn to be silent if the punishment for making noise (even coughing) was getting hit with a leather belt. Double punishment if you cried during your "discipline".

[@SarahlabyrinthLHC]

You soon learn to obey it if you know there will be punishment for not obeying. That and "Don't talk about things you know nothing about" were common in our household. Also "Take that look off your face or I'll give you something to be upset about"....

[@DrummerGrrrl]

@@VeraBean Child abuse. I hope you've healed now. That sh*t isn't funny.

[@alexpond648]

... "They should be seen, but not be heard."

[@mixe]

The dad from the upper class house was so happy and giggly when his family was assigned the first house. that was so cute!

[@patriciarouse2801]

"I am a Dad not a father"...roles and relationship changes through generations streatch to include our ability to grow more human.

[@pheart2381]

Impressed by that ladys handwriting using a dip pen!

[@rachelknight6028]

My heart just crumbled when little Jack started crying... This sudden harsh change that they've never experienced before, is huge for them! I would be the mummy with the hankie too!

[@lauriepenner350]

Me last week: Goodbye, High Street😭 Me this week: Hello, The Family! 🥰

[@LeslieAM32]

Exactly!

[@melissadiaz5334]

Me too!! 🥰

[@unicornpisssss]

Absolute history got me like ...😍😍...😭😭...😍😍

[@denisemyers7502]

S

[@Juliita65]

When do you think we’ll be able to see the next episode?

[@tyrant-den884]

Oh that middle-class guy is getting divorced after this.

[@dianafrost4835]

Yeah, he’s a douche!

[@drunk_on_milkshakes3279]

Absolutely, I know he is trying to act for the period but it doesn’t mean he has to be an ass to his wife

[@tyrant-den884]

@@drunk_on_milkshakes3279 or make his kid cry.

[@yuppers1]

Absolutely- I would never knowingly make children cry for a TV history lesson. It's not worth the trauma.

[@caspence56]

But we are looking at this through today's 21st century eyes. Back then a lot of women were raised since childhood to be almost subserviant to men, starting with their fathers and then to their husbands. What seems shocking and disrespectful today was, unfortunately, the norm in the Edwardian/Victorian era. Just remember the father in Mary Poppins!

[@dianawingate8887]

From the US....wish more people had the chance to walk in their ancestors' shoes. I admire the families for doing this....what an experience ! Good job, Saskia, for embracing this great experience.

[@kuchikopi4631]

Idk, most of the American people's ancestors probably had more or less the same life as the poor family. Most of them went to America from Europe and Ireland to improve their life, I mean those people were starving poor. Very sad.

[@margaretwilson8736]

I have no desire to live in my ancestors place. All of my great grandparents immigrated here from abject poverty, famine, or persecution. They were all farmers in America. This is the story for the vast majority of Americans, too.

[@djm4854]

Saskia's "Keep Calm and Carry On" outlook was as endearing as it is inspiring.

[@kiwisweetheart71]

Impressed with Saskia and her father for making the best of it. Mum and sister were whiners.

[@mariamarkus5617]

True ...I didn’t like how much saskia’s sister not taking anything seriously 😒

[@resnonverba137]

Were, not where.

[@whatisupmydudessimp7529]

Honestly I cannot blame her sister, not everyone can adjust so easy

[@dianmoffatt9915]

I'm assuming that you've forgotten about the laundry washing?

[@ichbinben.]

This reminds me of a German series from like 15 years ago, called "Abenteuer 1900: Leben im Gutshaus". It had one modern family living as wealthy landowners in 1900 and several other modern people from all over Germany living as their servants. Worth a watch for anyone who understands German, you can find it here on youtube, but I don't think there are subtitles available, sadly.

[@sabrinak.6782]

Vielen Dank für die Empfehlung!

[@toastnjam7384]

About 20 years the US had a few series like this. Living in 17th century colonial America, the wild west and living/crewing a early 19th century sailing merchant ship.

[@gbunni93]

@@toastnjam7384 that's so cool. I love American history

[@jeanross7430]

Thank you, I am going to look for it straight away.😊

[@petra8396]

Gutshaus Belitz, diese Serie haben meine Tochter und ich damals regelrecht verschlungen 😍😍 Von ihr kam der Tip für diese englische Serie 👍

[@djholliday4413]

This program is fantastic! We take our comforts & freedoms for granted in the 21st century. Children of today cannot go 24 hours without video games, and NONE of us can go without cell phones! It is a completely different life, than what we lead today in the US & UK. I wish we had a show like this in the US. I love the BBC. 🇺🇲❤🇬🇧

[@MrsSlocombesPuddyCat]

True. It is an excellent program. But yes, I can go without my cell phone quite easily.

[@creekkid42]

i think the mom and daughter feeling like they had nothing to do is a bit of a misrepresentation because they would have had a friends, family, and probably have been part of social clubs and societies and church members. Not just sitting around doing nothing all the time.

[@SplotPublishing]

Some women writing at the time expressed nearly the exact words she used. *Some* of them found ways to occupy themselves and feel useful. But a lot of them said they felt like ornaments. It's probably highly dependent on all manner of things, from upbringing to personality type to husband's attitude. THey didn't really have time to figure out their place in a society like that.

[@junemarie5965]

May we gratefully thank God we are born the war was devastating and poor people died for no reason my god my family's died for us

[@junemarie5965]

We should thank god all we get AND PRAY YOU GET food and beverage we could be homeless and no family or friends ok no meaning in life

[@MelinaPaez]

Seeing a man be vulnerable, expressive and tear up for his family is beautiful. ❤

[@shellc6743]

My great grandfather was an Edwardian and he adored his children ... as they got older they had a nursemaid not a nanny and they had a lovely childhood.

[@angelcitygirl]

THIS is reality television not that crap that is on now. Such a well thought out, well done show. Thank you.

[@mm.2728]

This is refreshing compared to the Kardashians' monotonous narrative

[@MadTracker]

What a brilliant series! I wish we had more history geared options in the USA. This is exactly why I love British programming.

[@MrsSlocombesPuddyCat]

Yes. British telly is usually excellent. I lived in the USA for a while and thought 99.99% of the programs were appallingly awful. Hopefully things have changed since the early 90s.

[@margaretwilson8736]

@@MrsSlocombesPuddyCat They haven't lmao I don't watch TV at this point. Most younger people don't have cable and watch Netflix or Hulu or whatever, which is similar across the US and Europe.

[@babiiedoll7218]

My great grandmother had 10 children she use to forage for food like wild onions and lived off of fish they caught and chickens and potatoes and beans she use to wake up at 3am just to get the family taken care of for the day she even told me about the harsh winters where they almost starved several times she had the strongest bond with Jesus extremely religious and she lived to be 103 yr old she was truly blessed in family and spirit

[@Savohacreations]

Now i understand why so many woman/men from that time looked so miserable in photos.

[@mariamargaritagarcia8049]

How funny that you are commenting this, because I said the same thing last week while looking at my grandparents photographs ! Regards from Colombia S.A.

[@katarinask139]

No that was actually because the photographing took so long so they didn't smile. But reading books from that times, it seems they were pretty much the same we are now

[@kthevsamig4958]

No

[@dointhebiz]

@@kthevsamig4958 you're very negative aren't you?

[@disunityholychaos7523]

Ummm no.. it depends heck my grandma and grandpa (most happy couple for many years) it is true there are wait long time for a photo to publish and there was a trend in my country back then part of tradition is to do photos professionally similar to a painting. my great grandmother who was part of a land owning spanish colonial upper class they had the money to pick up a photoshoot but instead like the selfies and "wacky" stuff expressions. instead posed to look serene and look poised & stoic culture. even when we got cameras in 205s-2010s my grandfather still pose on the camera standing straight and similar to how we do ID picture day or passport/driver license photo look etiquette. but if you asked them yes they can smile but feels awkward or feel shy about it regarding photography we had now. truth be told during my middle school picture portarit day payed 10 dollars as i tried to mimic my grandparents pose wearing my uniform and my pins well combed hair and a flash, my dad looked at it and joked about i look like some governess/upper class even though i played professional during my "phase" of being an wanna be lawyer during middle school years, anyways heres an old photo of a family before my grandparents are born yet is smiling outlet.historicimages.com/products/rsf63203 or scroll down to this www.pinterest.ph/pin/675328906609204781/ so many people doing it for the time they can look pretty, smile or professional but we joked back then that smiling can also show your teeth as missing or badly maintained when dentistry back then is archaic or expensive, as i noticed my grandparents had alot of dentures to maintain.

[@NinjaDeviant]

I lost it on the wholesome electrician dad crying. He seemed so distraught dealing without his family.

[@joannedenney5608]

I had a distant aunt who worked for a middle class family at 16/17 in London in service. Learning even a smidgen of what my ancestors may have gone through daily through programmes like this is great.

[@thomassmith8140]

The lower class suffered physically, the middle suffered mentally, and the rich suffered emotionally.

[@adailydaughter6196]

Fantastic synopsis!

[@melissadiaz5334]

I’m so excited for this!!! My grandmother was from England, she brought me there several times when I was younger. Watching British documentaries like this reminds me of her and I love British history!

[@xenaires]

I give all 3 families so much credit! They did something incredibly difficult: living in Victorian England.

[@akariaatasami6273]

Victorian England and Edwardian England are very different! I think you meant to say Edwardian England as this is what the video is about!

[@oldproji]

I love it! I grew up in the shadows of the Edwardian period. Born in 1943 we lived in a house like this one with all the mod cons of a bygone era at our fingertips, including the hiss of the gas mantle for lighting, and coal fires for heating. The floor cover was lino, with well worn rugs scattered here and there. We got electric fitted around 1946 during the war damage restoration. The po, or gozunder as it was called back then, was a godsend on cold winter nights. No one wanted to walk down the garden path to the toilet in the middle of the night. The tin bath was a treat in front or a roaring fire, and the smell of a chicken cooking on Christmas morning was heaven. And when a meal was finished we had to as to leave the table. Kids today don't know how privileged they are.

[@Shelbkip]

My family would have been in the lower class during the early Edwardian area from what my mom said (since she's been working on family history for the last few years) and it really does hit close to home seeing what my ancestors would have lived through.

[@chloereed2434]

It would usually rely on what the man of the houses class would have been

[@Shelbkip]

@@chloereed2434 Yes, going through what my (male) ancestors class was at the time. It's been really fun and interesting learning about their lives.

[@rosie2525]

the middle class dad seems a little too excited to boss everyone around 💀💀

[@kthevsamig4958]

No

[@contact3604]

He's just playing his part, very well. Moira From England.

[@arcpuffin]

@@contact3604 no..he was a douche

[@shavaughn1980]

I would pay to experience the American version of this. It would be amazing to experience what it was like for my ancestors.

[@christinebutler7630]

My grandma came to the USA from Ireland, utterly alone in the world. Her father and brothers had been lunched by the Black and Tans and her mother.died soon after of grief, starvation and TB. Nana got a job.as a maid in a wealthy house in Boston, and they paid her passage- steerage of course. She was every day of nine years old. I never.forget those upon whose shoulders I stand.

[@shavaughn1980]

@@christinebutler7630 that's amazing. I bet she had a lot of stories.

[@ghostsophy4332]

It would also be cool to see multiple races and religions in America experience their ancestors living circumstances. Wealthy or poor, many people lived different lives because of culture and societal circumstances

[@dawng.8836]

I wish each episode was at least 2hours, they only barely touch on what each day was like.

[@Juliita65]

OMG, I can’t believe it, I’m crying my eyes out! This series has been absolutely great! I’ve fallen in love with all those families! I’ve learnt a lot of history and I’ve practised my English, what more could I wish for? Thank YOU very much! You’ve made an incredible job! I hope you come back soon with more interesting stuff!!!!

[@MoniqueAO888]

It's nice to see that the members of the real-time-"rich"-family now experience how it's like to fight for every penny...and I hope they are aware, that the struggle for a lot of people is not over yet !!! And concerning the other families: it's good for your health to spend some time on your own here and there...

[@notmypotato3730]

The wealthy family is rich because they worked their way up. There ancestors were poor remember? And running a business is hard work. They had to take care of horses and muck out the stalls. To get where they are. They aren't soft.

[@nono-fb8tr]

Very disrespectful to the parents who both came from regular families. They worked hard for what they have now and it isn't fair to dismiss them like that. Yes their children were born into wealth, but the parents are both very aware of it.

[@amarin1192]

It's just so interesting to see how people lived back at the days. As a person from Hungary I'm fascinated about British history.

[@ThatgeekNolan]

Each of the families seem like such nice and kind people. I was rooting for all of them and was happy to see them adjust to life in this time period.

[@katiebaylisward17]

That Ian was taking being strict a bit too far. I thought it was great that the Meadows family ended up in poorest house hope it teaches them a good life lesson.

[@reggieshmeggie4219]

It might seem so. But he was probably only as strict as edwardian fathers were.

[@SableRain]

I agree about that dad. Glad he's having fun playing his role at the expense of his kids, especially the youngest. 😡

[@famousfia]

@@SableRain I don‘t think he did that by free will. He was given a book of instructions, I think he just followed them....

[@RikDog91]

I just hope they explained it to the kids, and let them know it was just for the camera.

[@margaretwilson8736]

He even said towards the end he felt bad about it and was happy to hold his son... I think he was trying to embody the authoritarian father figure of the time. You'll notice the middle class father probably spent the most time with the children of the 3 classes, historically. I imagine the working class father would also be pretty distant and exhausted. On the whole, much more distant and cold father figures than we're used to today.

[@angelkaterose]

If the knocker-upper would ensure that everyone was up in time, then who would ensure that the knocker-upper was up in time? And in turn, who would ensure that the knocker-upper's own knocker-upper was up in time? and in turn, who would...

[@georgiebennett3336]

The rooster perhaps. :)

[@angelkaterose]

@@georgiebennett3336 Good point!

[@amberforster3782]

They stayed up all night. I saw it in a different documentary.

[@angelkaterose]

@@amberforster3782 Night shift. :)

[@eringemini7091]

No wonder there were so many pubs in Britain, I imagine, the middle/lower class men would need a beer now & then if this was what life was like.

[@vaderladyl]

Yeah, that along with their brutal winters must have been a very dreary life.

[@chikitabowow]

I'm so impressed by how Saskia really leaned into everything she was told to do

[@kimmoxie2160]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I was hoping so much last Saturday that the series would continue from high street to the family ❤️. I love this series I don’t care if it’s ten years since it was made. Bravo 🙌

[@doylethechocolatelab]

Stop I feel old 🥺

[@Ozzy_2014]

@@doylethechocolatelab you feel old? My father was raised by Edwarian era parents. My paternal grandparents would have been the children of the era.

[@honeyvitagliano3227]

Same ☺️

[@famousfia]

do you know by any chance if they are planning to upload more and when? i binged the whole playlist in two days!!

[@dewilew2137]

@@Ozzy_2014 why do you assume that Doyle isn’t your age, or even older than you? Weird comment.

[@elsaamaya8501]

I absolutely adored this! What a great lesson to all ! It brought me to tears to think that my ancestors went through that and then some more as they were kicked out of their homeland and arrived to an unknown territory not being wanted.... puts everything in a different perspective....

[@trenae77]

I love the fact that they're reenacting their own histories!

[@ivysabregz1518]

I like the Meadows family of how they really sinked in the hardships of their ancestors at that era & how it brought a lot of understanding & lessons especially to the eldest daughter. They outstood the most while I watched this whole thing.

[@chocoboasylum]

54:05 Ah, so apparently our family were doing the Edwardian experiment throughout my entire childhood. That's actually a fun way to look at it in retrospect 😅

[@Highice007]

Which class?

[@chocoboasylum]

@@Highice007 Apparently the upper class, but only in the sense of 'individuals living in the same house', not the wealth and servants part.

[@user-py3kp9yl8l]

I love the respect they put towards this series. I quite love how much research they put in all of this.

[@moodylittleowl]

The scene in the kitchen was really tense, I was sure she'd break the character and put him right back into 21st Century :D

[@venus_envy]

I'm sure she was highly, highly tempted.

[@NataliaSeraRosano]

Thank you for the new series! Wonderful addition.

[@agenturensohnDLX]

what a great series! Thanks for uploading!

[@tomfrank9447]

One of the best documentaries I've seen to date. It shows us how we have evolved in just 100 years ... luckily to something better. The Meadows are definitely to be admired, especially Saskia seems to me to be a young woman who would have made her way even in those days!

[@dewilew2137]

She’s a child, not a young woman.

[@tomfrank9447]

@@dewilew2137 It was meant as a compliment. In my latitudes, young people who behave particularly grown-up are also considered grown-up... maybe I should have put it under quotation marks

[@ad6417]

The difference in refinement between the Taylors and Meadows was evident.

[@kfkfiles]

It's crazy how people are happy that the kids were crying and sad.

[@rayshawnb]

This is my favorite channel! I’ve said it! 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@annetjievz]

Love this concept. Gives us a new appreciation of what we have.

[@xhe1915]

The Taylor children are some of the sweetest little muffins I've ever witnessed. They speak so well and smile so much it makes me so happy haha

[@ah5721]

Wealthy women would have visited and called on friends and relatives, gone to milinary shops and tea shops

[@rosierennie5867]

And they ran the home too - They planned social engagements, they hired and fired staff. Most Edwardian middle class Women didn't have a Nanny and let their children help around the house. The middle-class dude was too into his role and it's laughably pathetic

[@bbth667]

Right? They weren't just bored at home all day, wealthy edwardian women were constantly doing this and socialising , it's almost like the show wanted to make it seem more bad than it actually was

[@jeanross7430]

I really enjoyed this episode it was very enlightening, thank you. I am looking forward to the next episode.

[@Maria-fd9gv]

Y'all are being hard on the middle class father for talking to the children sternly like two times. The kids are a little young to understand but parenting was simply more disciplinary back then. He tried it, even said he didn't like it. No big deal.

[@willemdafoe9811]

Really the only part were he was out of line was the way that he asked them to leave the kitchen without even saying hello first or doing it in a better time. That and when he asks his wife "what were you doing all day?" And she starts explaining and he says "don't talk back to me please."

[@CH-sl1ug]

maybe he was expecting them to act back

[@thatbooknerdoverthere7899]

@@willemdafoe9811 You left out the best part, he literally asked "what did you do all day???" "well, cooking and this and that" "don't talk back to me please." "oh sorry I thought you asked me a question" Whoever wrote that dialogue for this episode has my respect lol

[@thatbooknerdoverthere7899]

The kids were treated badly throughout the show. Let's be honest for once. If that's how ya'll treat your kids I will pray for them because HOLY sh...

[@alisa4407]

@@thatbooknerdoverthere7899 facts like he could have said, hey remember they aren't supposed to be in here it's dangerous. And then should have guided them out

[@MsWillowbayOrelse]

I can't wait for this series!! I loved the Main St series. Make sure you put them in playlist as it makes it easier to get others to watch it. A couple friends didn't finish the Main St series because they didn't want to search for it.

[@theduchessofspring2395]

the middle-class dad went on an absolute power trip in this episode!😔🙄

[@macraghnaill3553]

he did not, quite normal attitude in fact

[@melanieortiz712]

I'm loving these going back through the ages episodes. Loved the high street edition.

[@rebeccadelbridge2998]

Wow, as an upper class child, your entire wellbeing relied on wether your nanny was nice, or not. Then again, I suppose it's the same, for any class. It all depends if your parents are nice...

[@hollywoodsdeadd]

Omg the girls of the Taylor family were so ADORABLE! Their hair was so pretty too omg

[@Local_Sperg]

Awh, seeing that boy get sad when his dad raised his voice was pretty heartwrenching :( Edwardian times sure could be rough

[@youwhat.]

He didn't even raise his voice really tbh

[@melanieortiz712]

His dad didn't raise his voice. Crying because your dad said politely to take your elbows off the table. What soft kids. They're getting off light. I was raised in a multi generational military family.

[@AA-hy6nb]

Soft children become happy adults. Kids, who were bossed around by their parents, turn into neurotics or psychopaths, which many examples from the history have proved. Worst maniacs of the first half of 20 centure - Stalin and Hitler - had strict parents.

[@terrylynn9984]

Its bull my family was middle class in edwardian times and according to my gr aunt her father was a gentle Giant, so not all men were like this

[@Miniver765]

And his dad was a flaming ponce taking his role way too seriously.

[@lsjt8924]

That little baby in the sailor costume was so adorable I nearly cried!!

[@carynbalbuena9742]

I loved this! I think it taught each family to truly value and appreciate what we all have available today because of where we come from and what our ancestors did!!

[@reasonablyserious]

The one thing I noticed was how seemingly unexpected their ancestors' status turned out to be. I wish people would take that into consideration when talking about class. The topic ought to be far less divisive than it has become.

[@anahitaghvanyan1152]

I love such creative approach to tell us history of life in different time periods. It helps to open eyes on so many seemingly small things that matter for emotional healh as well as physical which we wouldn't ever notice if story just told. I felt it with every family and every family member.

[@sarahjarrell1262]

I REALLY ENJOYED this video very VERY much!👏👏 I'm looking forward to the next one😁💝

[@mzjamm2]

As an American NO one does historical programs like the UK. As an older American and a reader of history I am aware of the issues the families complain of. This episode was very interesting, but it did make everyone cry. They need to realize this was how civilization progressed, but being older I realize this.

[@patrickometry]

The middle-class family father may be taking his head of household role too seriously at the expense of the relationships he has with his family after the show ends. People don't forget how they're treated when they're most vulnerable.

[@meowyimeow]

He's enjoying it a bit too much. I don't want to continue watching this because of him.

[@patrickometry]

@@meowyimeow He eventually lightens up and relents to the reality that he still needs to be a dad who shows affection.

[@nxj18xbmc]

@@meowyimeow I would go as far to say that he was being abusive. A very young child does not have the capability (a fully developed theory of mind) to imagine things from someone else's perspective so all he's seeing is someone who used to be loving and caring acting cold and aloof with no rhyme or reason. I'd actually be worried that his father's behavioral whiplash could be emotionally scarring to such a young child.

[@CassidyStarke]

@@nxj18xbmc As long as they’re told or if it’s explained it should be fine. Kids can understand make believe play because they do it themselves too. I heard my little cousin scream to her baby dolls but she said they were mean, so I was like ......ok

[@Raja-bz4yw]

Sad part is that working class house is how many Americans still live. I remember my friend's grandparents being so excited in 2010 because they finally got an indoor bathroom. And then there's plenty of people in the US who still live pay check to pay check just to make ends meet and employee their teenage children as soon as the law allows them to work just to make ends meet.

[@googleuser7454]

My mother was using an outhouse as late as the 70s and a lot of people in her birth state (Mississippi) are still struggling with the basics. We severely underestimate the amount of people who have access to things we consider basic

[@janedoe805]

Ian seemed to be a little too gung-ho with his role as the strict Edwardian Papa... I have a 5 year old Grandson so, seeing Jack cry when asked to remove his elbows from the table really upset me. (I’m guessing maybe he’s 4 or 5 years old.) l think Jack is just too young to understand this Social Experiment. Perhaps there should be an minimum age requirement to participate on this show. I have always loved this Channel and I adore this new addition however, it’s kind of difficult to watch the younger children struggling. Even the other two younger daughters who were basically ripped out of their parents arms and given to the Nanny then restricted to the nursery.

[@KDu400]

The kid crying because he was NICELY asked to take his elbows off the table shows how spoiled their kids are. Their mom doesn’t seem to ever discipline them and dad thinks it’s crap. I agree with him! The major problems in the modern world stem from lack of discipline and consequences as children.

[@frankiec544]

@@KDu400 No, it just shows that he is a sensitive child and not used to this kind of treatment. Had he been defiant about it would've shown how spoiled he was.

[@asteriusblack]

@@frankiec544 spoiled brat.

[@deannastevens1217]

@@KDu400 Agreed. My children and Grandlittle knew at 5 that the elbows didn't go on the table. When asked they were expected to comply. This is still a rule round my table. Adult or child. Having manners or being taught manners starts when young. The father wasn't cruel or even harsh.

[@thatbooknerdoverthere7899]

@@asteriusblack He's spoiled because he cried, BECAUSE HE'S 5. Jesus, people, at 5 yo kids cry for the stupidest things, have ya'll ever been around kids?

[@doylethechocolatelab]

I remember watching this on TV! The war one scared me

[@hudaaldahan]

which year it broadcast on TV ? thank you

[@7rotorhead]

@@hudaaldahan 2012 (5 episodes)

[@peace5576]

@@7rotorhead oh, i am so happy that there is more episodes. This show is so fascinating!

[@jaclynrichmond1049]

The wage difference between middle class and working class is crazy but familiar. The middle class man doesnt seem to have a grasp on historical perspective. Just because edwardian families had different social structures in their homes doesnt mean they all looked exactly alike and who you are mattered none

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

I just love this programming ... such a refreshing change from the normal KZbin offerings.. Thank you

[@greetje42]

So happy I find this channel, really enjoyed these series! Greetz from the Netherlands! 🌿💚

[@qweadd6987]

Very interesting. I love learning about how people lived 100 and past 100 years ago. Great video. Very educational.

[@bethmerryfield7186]

This is the coolest!!!! I would love to experience life as my ancestors afterall, they paved the road for me.

[@ignisetaqua7089]

Thank you for uploading this very interesting documentation.