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.

[kokonana]

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.

[katethielen]

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

[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 😂

[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!

[Tahia]

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.

[tUiDo]

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.

[haraank]

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

[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

[starcharx]

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

[LDrosophila]

The Meadows raised two wonderful people.

[nicolecaldwell]

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.

[Athlynne]

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

[carolynmayo]

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.

[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! 😕

[rosieallbon]

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.

[rachelknight]

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!

[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!

[sarahjayne]

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.

[SarahGreen]

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.

[Jojo-vvue]

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