What Life Was Like For A Baker During The Victorian Era | Victorian Bakers | Absolute History

The bakers have said goodbye to the brutal working conditions of the 1870s urban bakery. It is now 1900 and Britain's middle classes are enjoying the democratisation of luxury. Bakers were quick to cash in - this time, the bakers have an elegant shop on the high street.

Their new workplace boasts huge steam-belching ovens, but it is the early 20th-century electric dough mixer that takes the hard work out of baking. The technology has changed beyond recognition and so has their trade. The bakers experience first-hand the incredible diversification their forebears underwent in order to stay in business.

[sarahwatson]

That little girl in the green raincoat literally stole all my attention and you can see her face change the second her mom or dad spotted her in front of the camera.

[mj.p.]

I love the bakers, they all had great personalities and good chemistry. I would like to see a video with them again.

[ryandtibbetts]

I loved how Harpreet admitted that the Victorian bakers had her beat in certain aspects of confectionery.

[remijager]

The gent who runs the industrial bakery is such a wonderful man. Really loved watching everyone see their profession through the ages, of course, but he was my absolute favorite. Just kind of a nice joy to get to try and learn something in his 50s that should be a model for us all.

[Iandaprix]

For all the comments complaining of Harpreet being bossy... I think she's being pretty reasonable given that they are trying to replicate a high-end and very specific product. Three people who don't have experience making pastries could very easily mess up a batch without somebody over their shoulder. And in 1900, with all that competition they mentioned, I'd say the boss had a right to be demanding if they wanted quality. Nobody ever seems to complain when they see celebrity chefs being demanding.

[rapipanmanoch]

All those colors and accessories for cakes and confectionery. Suddenly the Mad Hatter’s tea party actually looks less nutter than I thought. It’s just late Victorian.

[juliajs]

The excitement and enthusiasm whenever they get their hands on new tools is just heartwarming. These people really love their craft!

[florasoft]

Being German, I really envy the British for these amazing documentaries. This series was one of the best I've ever seen. The passion and enthusiasm these guys have for their profession and product is heartwarming. (And to think I've just gone low carb...)

[bparrish]

Excellent casting, AH—all personable, capable, good chemistry. A bonus for them is that what they probably thought a bit of a lark ended up bringing greater public respect to their industry and their personal businesses. Well done!

[angelkaterose]

BREAD - 100% Pure & healthy - guaranteed 99% sweat & toenail-free - Many shapes - Impress the neighbours!

[carvenstud]

I usually dont watch any food related programs but somehow this one showed up on my feed and I gave it a try. I loved every minute of it. The cast members were great, likeable, there was not fake 'reality' drama, and you can just tell how passionate they are about their craft. Very, very enjoyable to watch.

[LilyLovecraft]

What the history channel could have been, but instead they gave us nazi aliens.

[hiddenshadow]

I commend Duncan on actually doing his facial hair in accordance to the fashion of time, moustache and all.

[Shelbkip]

I am loving this series.

honestly, this whole channel has consumed my life over the last half a year since I found it. And I have never been happier. thank you for sharing all of this wonderful content! please continue to do so!!!!

[katecreate]

It's amazing to witness 1 reign with different time periods that reflect the different views living in such an Era. Really liked the team in this series, no one gave each other a hard time, just bakers who loved to learn the craft of their field through history's eyes.

[DavidBriggsAdventures]

That was the book I had to study when taking a role in my Family's Bakery business. I stared sheeting cookies at the age of 8. By 15, I was decorating cakes and making gum paste flowers for wedding cakes. The "old way" may take a little while longer, but it's the mark of a master to truly work from scratch. I had to learn by the old way of apprenticeship. When I went out into the working world, I became the indispensable Chef. I can roast a prime rib, and ice a wedding cake in the time it takes to roast. This sort of multifaceted Chef trained in the Guarde system through apprenticeship and specialization is unheard of today. I'm from the last generation fortunate enough to come up under that system of training. I hope we can revive that in some way as we evolve to meet the culinary demands of future generations.

[ratsock]

After the hellish nightmare of the episode about baking in industrial London this episode just gave me a big smile all throughout. Cant imagine how the bakers themselves were feeling

[Merylstreep]

Absolute History is like Crack for History buffs, please more more more and BRING BACK RUTH GOODMAN AND ANNIE TOO FOR

[sorenlorenson]

The older guy with glasses is just so lovely and a peace maker

[hwhy]

The historical context and changes of the era is of course so fascinating throughout the series but I actually wish I saw even more of the bakers analyzing the texts and techniques; it feels so short!