Watch The Edwardian Country House

The Edwardian Country House is a historical reality TV series that premiered in 2002. The show recreates the life of a wealthy English family and their servants, as they would have lived during the Edwardian era. The series is produced by Channel 4 and features a cast of modern-day volunteers who experience what life would have been like living and working in a grand country estate.

The show's host is renowned actor Derek Jacobi, who sets the scene for each episode and guides the volunteers through their challenges. In the first episode, the volunteers are introduced to life below stairs, taking on the roles of butlers, housekeepers, cooks, and scullery maids. They are given a crash course in the etiquette of the time, learning how to serve dinner, clean silverware, and iron clothes. Each episode features a different aspect of life in the country house, such as gardening, entertaining guests, and hunting.

The show is set in the beautiful Kent countryside at Manderston House, home to the Scottish aristocrat Lord Palmer, who welcomes the volunteers and shows them around the grand estate. The volunteers then undertake the tasks, living as the servants of the Edwardian period would have lived. Throughout the series, the family and their guests are seen dining, entertaining, and participating in activities such as fishing and shooting, all while the servants work tirelessly behind the scenes.

One of the standout features of The Edwardian Country House is the attention to detail. The producers have created a stunningly realistic portrayal of life in the early 1900s, with a great deal of effort put into the costumes, sets, and props. The volunteers are dressed in period clothing, and the estate is furnished with authentic antiques and artifacts from the time.

Throughout the series, the volunteers face challenges and conflicts as they navigate the intricate social hierarchy of a country estate. They must deal with the authority of the head butler, played by veteran actor Stephen Fewell, and the demands of the master and mistress of the house, played by Anthony Higgins and Eloise Hamilton respectively. As the series progresses, tensions and rivalries emerge as the volunteers compete for promotions and seek to impress their employers.

Another fascinating aspect of the show is the insight it provides into the complex relationships between the servants and the family. The bonds of loyalty and respect that exist between them are highlighted, as are the tensions that arise when these relationships are tested. The show offers a glimpse into a bygone era, and provides a unique perspective on the social and cultural norms of the time.

In conclusion, The Edwardian Country House is a captivating and informative series that transports the viewer back in time to a bygone era. The show's attention to detail, combined with the excellent performances of the cast, make for an engaging and immersive experience. The show provides fascinating insights into the culture and customs of the Edwardian era, as well as an intimate look at the lives of the people who worked and lived in a grand country estate.