Meet the Man who Lives in the 1940s! (2/2) | BARMY | BARMY

In part 2 of our visit to Ben Sansum's amazing 1940s house, we finally get to the bottom of his obsession. It's a children's book revelation!
Missed Part 1? No dramas 👉🏼 • Meet the Man who Lives...
#bfbs #BARMY

[@tommyt3516]

He isn't harming anyone. British eccentricity at its finest.

[@fayecox9401]

Well said

[@minstrelcat1951]

Exactly so

[@briandavid4796]

He is the normal one . We have become artificial. Quite enjoyed the down to earth aspect of his character.

[@oleggorky906]

What you wrote is very identical to what I wrote on another video about Ben. I said he isn’t hurting anyone, so same thing. He comes across as highly intelligent and dedicated to something that he has made his passion. No harm in that. He’s a likeable fellow.

[@iefarrington5473]

Hello, l was born in 1941,,and l remember so many of these objects. Thank you. Valerie.

[@fivenine5905]

he's happy. and thats what its all about. fair play to him :)

[@bannol1]

Sweet guy and not at all weird or strange, just different in a nice and quirky way.

[@dbulmannz]

He seems like such a sweetheart. I hope his modern boyfriend is kind to him. I love his collection and how he walks the line between past and present

[@MultiUnknown2]

This made me smile so much, especially when they read the book and we’re getting excited I couldn’t stop smiling. I’m glad there’s people that still do this so the history isn’t lost as long as people still keep it alive :)

[@fayecox9401]

We need more people like him hundred per cent it looks better way of life

[@FiggysMeemaw]

It’s a pity more men these days didn’t take a leaf out of this young mans book, he is well groomed, polite, doesn’t use bad language and he is genuinely a nice guy.

[@oksoijusttookafatshit]

Now a days kids idolise criminals and gangsters

[@SpiredRapidity]

@@oksoijusttookafatshit they idolised gangsters then too…

[@leiilo]

​@@oksoijusttookafatshit Al Capone, born in 1899, the 1920s-1930s gangster, leader of the Italian Mafia in NY, that was widely idealized & idolized. Lol. So bad he went to Alcatraz, yet so well-liked that he was able to WALK AROUND FREELY whilst ordering people's assassinations lest they speak bad of him. He was only jailed because the FBI was able to find an excuse to jail him: tax evasion. Let's say you were born in 1990. If you were born a hundred years earlier, in 1890, I'm sure you would be saying the same thing about "kids these days in the twenties".... the nineteen twenties... Enough said.

[@network735]

And he is not a super predator either.

[@gougou2169]

I think he is sweet and adorably authentic.

[@hislittlemrs.9235]

We always had meals together, we had a large garden and grew our vegetables. The kids friends loved to be here at mealtime. They sat in astonished silence as we talked, laughed, shared and debated. They still mention it now 5 years after graduation, how they enjoyed the feeling of family our home shared with them. I had no idea every family didn't live this way, I just thought it was daily life.

[@skylongskylong1982]

For the viewers outside the U.K. the following information you need to know. Even though WW2 ended in 1945 U.K. rationing of food carried on till 1953. That is why the food was not the most appealing. Britain did not get military equipment from the USA for free in WW2 ,and it took till 2005 for U.K. to pay off her debts to America. Surprisingly this is not taught in our schools.

[@jeffreysproul9110]

Thank you it should be taught it is a part of history.

[@orriblehairytoes4521]

Envy him. He's got Elvis to look forward to.

[@goldilocks913]

Hahaha 😂

[@essexexile]

It’s almost like a vintage cosplay. What a really nice guy.

[@jimjam5239]

I think we could all learn a lot from this and I think Ben seems lovely. What a lovely couple of videos ❤

[@evakatrinaa]

Such a delightful fellow, living his quiet life not harming a soul. Lovely to see he and his Mr. have found their balance.

[@jamiew6438]

My nan and grandad were born in 1912 and passed away 20 or 21 years ago . Nan always made the suet pudding filled with bacon and onion , she called it dumpling and she used to wrap them with linen and string and boil them and serve it up with VERY boiled veg . The light switches in their house were vintage too .

[@aaronsundin2816]

My nan did exactly the same !

[@pjsretrogamesmusicandwrass5795]

Nice

[@Sighkler24]

Absolutely loved him. What a nice bloke. And the sink soap Fairy was perfect!

[@MirandaMilner]

I do something very similar with the 1950’s. Just about everything in my life is 1950’s in appearance or is actually from the era. I have a 1950’s typewriter, vintage telephone, vintage style radio that’s actually a Bluetooth radio, lots of vintage magazines, accessories, decor, and I also wear almost exclusively 1950’s style clothing. But I also have lots of modern aspects of my life. I have a KZbin channel, Instagram... all that jazz. It really is just about the aesthetic. It’s all so lovely, but I’m quite happy with the time that I live in. Aside from the pandemic and everything...

[@Nyctophora]

What a genuinely nice man with a great respect and love for history. Thank you both for sharing this with us!

[@CajunRose]

Anytime I've seen any video, with Ben, I immediately stop and watch it. He is such gentleman. So well dressed, well spoken and a lovely personality. Plus, I truly love seeing him and his home. As someone that dresses and decorates in vintage style daily, I appreciate what it takes to live the type of life that makes you happy. I have to say, it's difficult sometimes when people assume we live the way we do because it's some kind of fetish or that it's because we seek attention.

[@lachlanchester8142]

Gareth Southgate hasn’t been the same since the World Cup

[@jonwoo8217]

this comment is under rated

[@shirleysharpe6979]

That is so funny! Really made me laugh.

[@bucklberryreturns]

🤭

[@chillired5389]

It was through a BBC news report on KZbin that brought me to your channel and I think you did a great documentary on Ben and his hobby! You asked him some very good questions and he answered them really well…. I think for me, he made some excellent points as to the way modern life is but he has to sometimes come into the 2020’s whilst preserving a bygone era! I really am impressed with his dedication 🙌

[@ThunderPants13]

I like the fact that Ben seems to take the best aspects of the 40s and combine them with a little bit of modern technology. We've lost a lot of the niceties of earlier days and become so wrapped up in our own little worlds on the internet, it's good to see a person who is not living his life that way.

[@gailsgrandplan3561]

He's such a lovely guy. I'm just a little obsessed with all things 1940s too. There's a big scene in the East of England with a huge 1940s Weekend in Huntingdon that people from all over the world travel to. (Present circumstances not withstanding). Looks like this guy has a lovely balance in his life. Power to him.

[@alexandras2670]

I recognised Godmanchester just dipping into the film with the thatched boat house.

[@tjsmagicalgametime2916]

I can’t believe the book part!! I was gobsmacked! It was literally him and his house!! From that book!! I just loved that...never seen anything like it b4, and I think I have read that book as a child...it looks familiar.

[@richardcogbill6791]

Watched both parts of this interview. Really delightful. 👍

[@jd3552]

This to me was one of the best interviews (part 1 and 2) that I ever seen, In depth and fair.

[@josephinepowell2242]

I loved this , what a lovley home 1940s . When people was respectable and ladies dressed like ladies . Everyone seemed to be equal and all got along .

[@faithtrustpixiedust1812]

So true.

[@florencenightingale5164]

And women were second class citizens?

[@iemand2612]

tell that to lgbtq people, black people and women hahaha. No one was equal, but the music and clothes were great!

[@oksoijusttookafatshit]

@@iemand2612 would of been great if equality existed

[@user-jz9ll7td8y]

It reminds me of my nan and bampy! I loved them SO much! The comfort and warmth the sense of unity. ❤

[@LeHazy]

Genuinely amazing. Great work guys!

[@JayAshtonflex]

What a pleasant chap and so nice to see someone doing and living how they like with their own style

[@abbyolsvensson2413]

There is actually a very big community of us who dress vintage or have a vintage lifestyle. I think a lot of people aren't aware of how many of us there are. Its also worth noting vintage style, not vintage values.

[@bhs3871]

Any online communities of such? I'm the same and enjoy knowing others alike. Cheers

[@charliestevensmee9324]

Mutually so. There doesn't seem to be many communities online unfortunately.

[@abbyolsvensson2413]

@@bhs3871 it the case of simply posting online- Instagram is the best place and with hashtags you’ll attract a following. That and following brands who reproduce vintage clothing helps

[@abbyolsvensson2413]

@@charliestevensmee9324 we are online actually. It isn’t a physical group you would join online or anything but a community that will have people following each other like on Instagram etc. We also have brands that we all wear, we go to trade shows and events and meet up etc as well

[@charliestevensmee9324]

I suppose you're right. I just don't see much of it, as I don't use much social media I supposse.

[@rensha8635]

I absolutely loved watching that, thank you for producing it. Ben is so lovely, if I knew him I would be making excuses to pop round for a cuppa regularly just to lose myself for a while in that warm vintage home and enjoy his company. Too right we all love a bit of English eccentricity ❤

[@pulakification]

Its not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.

[@denymosses6225]

Completely mate

[@suneyeintuition4315]

I would've liked to have seen Ben wear a hat out on his walk. People back then always wore their hats when they went out. :)

[@DrStevenHobbs]

Romanticised history. I love it.

[@MattHerrettMusic]

I remember Ben from school. Lovely fella! Nice to see him happy.

[@simonleaf2765]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. What a gent. His home is brilliant.

[@tgmickey513]

How very lovely! Remembering the good of the time that helped get people through, yes yes! Such a cute house to!

[@jbradshaw4236]

What a respectful interview. Really well made... Good on the presenter clearly a nice chap all round.

[@budzy5762]

Ahh man I wish there were more episodes with Ben, the past couple of episodes have been fantastic, wanting more :D

[@KatoBettyBee]

I smiled the whole time I was watching this, what a lovely man and a lovely story ❤

[@thekowboymom2710]

I noticed that glass in the door as soon as they walked in. Hope and Glory is one of my favorite movies.

[@jeangander8967]

What a lovely man ...and good for him. I love the forties at least I was born in that time

[@amandagauthier-parker1399]

I have always loved the aesthetic of that book, too!! We had the board book, and my third child ate it (lol), so I've just ordered another copy to make sure I have it around for my grandbabies. What a blessing to have had such an adored childhood and Nan, and such a treasure to be able to preserve it in the aesthetic and style of one's home. I don't think there's anything loopy or weird about it at all.

[@thomasbrady8056]

What a sweet man! He lives in a decade he enjoys and doesn't take it to the extreme or act over the top. I think it's great and really interesting.

[@darrenclawson1984]

What a wonderful guy . Love the home and his outlook on life . Thanks so much for sharing your home with us all . Very best wishes

[@muhammadbenjuraij7734]

I really can appreciate the appeal because of the quality of things back then especially the furniture and the food and who doesn’t like a coal fire, I can remember my grandads house near Cambridge and the coal fire and how cosy it was in the winter. In fact the late 1800s is a time that fascinates me a time when education was better and English was spoken properly and manners were everything. The education of today is like modern prefabricated furniture.

[@minstrelcat1951]

This was lovely! His house looks so much like my grandparents' house did. So many happy memories of sitting near the fire while I dried off after a bath as a small child, and of bringing the coal in, laying the fire (feeling very growed up) and the like. Even then, inthe 80s, it was like stepping back in time. I'd love to spend a weekend there, cooking forties food and experiencing my grandma's lifestyle - if nothing else I suspect I'd appreciate all the modern time and labour saving tech HUGELY afterwards! May your gods bless you Ben, and your fella and your little dogs too

[@juliekulatunga4188]

my son loved that book when he was little he is now 34 . The only thing loopy about this is you picking the coal up with your hands lol. Thoroughly enjoyed this programme thank you so much.

[@aeward1982]

Gosh I love the illustrations in that book. Reminds me of Raymond Briggs' Ethel and Ernest too..

[@paulgreen6371]

I’ve been to repair the washing machine last year but the house is great.

[@user-ko2tu3ss3o]

WONDERFUL. Do we not all yearn for a quieter and more gentle and genteel life? Ben has created his own haven and Heaven.

[@crochetingaroundnewzealand]

My parents still used bone handled cutlery when I grew up but I hated ironing the tablecloth lol

[@Matt_Gaughran]

He would love to come over to a small village called Heywood in Manchester they have a huge 1940’s day. A lot of people dress up, classic cars, vehicle’s from war, and the pubs are always booming.

[@sarahbradbury1617]

Ben is amazing! Thank you for keeping the forties alive and well for all to learn about! Thank you for this interview!

[@Lizpennington]

I loved the Brambly Hedge books when I was a kid, and now my house is all Bramble House inside! Not deliberately, either.

[@PeteAxeShields]

I've really enjoyed this. What a really lovely fella and you two seem like you get along wonderfully. I can imagine you becoming really great pals. I hope you stayed in touch.

[@limeyosu2000]

I first saw a short interview on bbc with Ben was so glad you spent more time with him ! If he ever needed money he could open his house up for tours ! It really is amazing !

[@TroyBrokenshire]

This made my day. I love vintage stuff. Not enough to live by it but I do appreciate it. It's probably why I like working on old radios so much.

[@pjb1986]

What a thoroughly nice chap, good luck to him!

[@paulcallaghan1980]

Good for him, in all honesty if it wasn’t for my kids I’d probably live the same. I love the simple life

[@andrea050405]

I would live in that house in a heartbeat

[@jjenfield7444]

He’s happy & hurting nobody. That’s a great way to live 👍

[@susanorr8348]

I don’t live the 40s but I have mementoes because the 40s were my parents era and I was the eldest of 3 children so had the greatest benefit/impact of their life experiences and love that era-the styles, the music, the history... it feels like home.

[@sharonwindram6833]

I love that book 'Peepo' by Janet & Allan Ahlberg & bought it for my son who was born in 1988. We loved the illustrations & the story. I still have it in my bookcase in the study. Shirley Hughes is another brilliant children's author & illustrator having created the Alfie & Annie Rose series although they were set later than the 1940's Loved this video, thank you for airing it ❤

[@penelopewebling1085]

It's a bit arrogant to think that just because someone lives a bit differently that they are "odd"

[@stephengreen6338]

I found this short film of Bens home so, tranquil ,and soothing, it so reminded me of my grans home, no grand possessions, just real honest reflection of how things were, thankyou Ben for transporting me back to happy childhood memories, long may you continue, best regards

[@josefkonderla8947]

I’ve just found this channel. This is fantastic! The presenter seems like a cool guy.

[@shawnholmes9016]

His home is charming and cozy. ❤

[@joshuag.4873]

Ben really loosened up and opened up after the walk... That was a great move. And it's funny that he was a little "judgmental" (only for lack of a better term) of other vintage folk... I don't blame him, but everyone has their various levels of this - some people may think it's bizarre that he does the vintage facade, but doesn't observe the morals/standards of the time. This is the first time I've seen one of these interviews where that "picking and choosing" point was brought to the light. Excellent interview 🙂

[@troysierra5228]

As a gay man. Even though I don't live in period. But I find myself attractive to masculinity from different time periods. Today, men are somewhat feminized.

[@mauzki-]

I'm on the other bit of the spectrum, well, I kinda like the concept of being a house husband,

[@theclumsyprepper]

Men are very feminised these days. In my area it's all skinny jeans and floppy fringe, not manly at all.

[@troysierra5228]

Originally from this video. I liked how he wore suspenders. They could really help frame a mans physic. The slick combed hair was very attractive. 1970's mens fashion, is another era I like. Shirts unbottoned to mid-chest. Facial hair and chest was very common. 1950's mens military haircuts. 1980's mens leather jackets and denim trousers were very attractive. Victorian mens swimwear is very inspiring. Today mens fashion is very androgynous and feminized. It doesn't suit a man, it remains in a gray area between man and woman.

[@theclumsyprepper]

@@troysierra5228 I know, sometimes you are not sure if you're looking at a guy or a girl. Men definitely lack masculinity these days, it's very unattractive.

[@biddyearly9262]

Yea there is so much soy going around today.

[@Cinos1]

So cool. Great stuff. I'm mesmerized! I've shown my kids and they're like in awe that he lives like that. I think it's lovely. Very educational. Fab!

[@Bursleygirl]

What a breath of fresh air...

[@1stinlastout165]

He as found a way to cope in modern society, good for him !

[@paulwalshaw1401]

brilliant !!!!wish there were more

[@maz121able]

What a lovely man, i loved his home. I would love to vist and have a good look round it was fascinating.

[@leegraham6620]

Wow! Absolutely loved watching this❤️ my house is a ‘home for hero’s’ - a build that had its first occupants in 1920. I’ve loved blending Art Deco furniture, fixtures & fittings with modern living. I love a bit of eccentricity🥰

[@RealGrooveRandom]

Full respect to this guy.. that book from his childhood & his place.. fascinating 😊👍🏾

[@sanguinelynx]

What a unique and lovely human being.

[@UsueyeJshsysysy-rr4lz]

This guy is so interesting! Great vid thanks x

[@georginamahoney649]

What a lovely gentleman, he’s happy 😃 and I think everything looks amazing

[@sylviabaxter265]

So was I 1946 bring it back I say people were lovely and helped each other.

[@teresamoore3577]

I loved this that green crockery we had them in hospitals when I had my daughter in 1977 I don’t find you strange I love the 1950’s-1960’s style I love veg dresses I love rock & roll fantastic thank you for sharing sending love and prayers always keep safe xx❤️🙏🏻🇬🇧

[@maggiedoor6093]

You need some oxo gravy on that suet pudding!

[@tonyduckworth3290]

That’s what I was thinking, get some gravy on it!

[@michaelbroderick527]

I was thinking the same... I'm going to try the suet pudding it looked Tasty yum yum.

[@VintageTech1]

A lovely episode.

[@shosmyth1454]

Love your Video and this young man living in a prior time! There was another video like this one from a UK Family that lived in early 1900. Wonderful insight. Thank you.

[@catherineferguson7388]

It’s good to keep a piece of the old days. Awesome. Xx

[@nicolagiles9498]

I think he has struck a balance between now and then. The house looks great and I agree there is a lot we could learn. Thank you for sharing

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

I love it! I would enjoy getting to know him. Go for it.

[@janelovesy2399]

Just lovely !

[@AdrianSalomo]

The journalist was very simple minded in that he chose to think he had the answers to it all with that children's book. It bothered him not to understand Why 1940's? WHY all this? So he found a quick fix to his frustration, and nearly convinced Ben with his "I know you" psychology. This is a good example of modern day ignorance and modern day fear-of-the-unknown.

[@David-uf8ex]

Absolutely wonderful 😎

[@Jillyflower7]

Love Ben’s kitchen also love the book! Amazing!

[@Tidybitz]

I wasn't around in the 40s, but lots about this guy's house resonates from the 60s too. My grandad's house was very similarly coloured and I remember the green in the kitchen. I could live here, but I'd need some modern things like him. For me the meal needed some nice gravy. What a lovely guy he is and a lovely video too.

[@logothaironsides2942]

yay he is a lovely chap. I like that he doesnt feel he must be a slave to the choice and so avoid modern contraptions becuase most people of that time would have loved a washing machine and a TV!

[@iemand2612]

he has a washing machine and tv haha

[@jeremynv89523]

Here in the States most people used wringer washers in the 40s. Don't know how widespread they were in the UK.

[@wowzieee]

It was great meeting Ben.

[@lanemaund5097]

Just delightful

[@paulus842000]

A really nice down to earth person.

[@markcharles.23]

Wholesome... Great watch

[@gazzaroony]

If we live a completely digital life there will be nothing to show of you when your gone and the server's get switched off. Quite sad really. I think if we were sensible we could take a little of every decade and use it going forward for a better life. The past isn't always worth leaving behind.

[@lenah7520]

One of my favourite meals today, the suet savoury bacon roll from the Be-Ro cook book! 😋

[@davidtarbuck4166]

What a bloody nice bloke..