How To Make Edwardian Cheese | Edwardian Farm EP10 | Absolute History

The team follows a flock of sheep up on to Dartmoor, where it was traditional for many shepherds to take their flocks for summer grazing. Alex and Peter get to grips with shearing, while Ruth takes the fleeces off to a wool mill to find out how it was processed and manufactured.

[LauraS]

For anyone wondering what they mean by "second cuts of wool", a second cut is when the shearer has miscut a lock of wool, usually further away from the skin than normal, and goes back to recut it a second time, leaving a small bit of short wool fibers. Those usually card into small balls much like how a sweater will "pill" up with use, causing any yarn or thread spun from that wool to have uneven bumps in the strand. I've been a sheep farmer, spinner, and weaver for 21 years so I really love episodes like this that show me how they did it with hand shears. I have a professional shearer come do my girls because a good, well practiced shearer can get the fleece off in one piece without nicking the sheep in less than 5 minutes. That reduces stress on the sheep immensely. My girls sure don't need me to try my inexperienced hand at it. My job is usually to "skirt" off the dirty bits from the belly, behind and under the tail, and along the legs, then bundle the good wool up for processing later. I double as the sprayer on of medication should they get nicked. That keeps flies from setting up shop and improves healing.

[Stormy]

These titles really undersell the amount of knowledge in these videos.

[loriscook]

Ruth is such a hard worker, making her own potato spray and hauling that old sprayer about. She is such a good practical person. She is obviously a great mum it’s good when her daughters visit seeing how alike they are

[chriscunningham]

It's a "wake-up" call for us ALL to gain some basic and in most cases, forgotten, survival skills!!! Way to go Ruth!!!

[Luccen]

this whole show is just so wholesome, really makes me appreciate the regular things in life.

[chriskind]

Ruth knows everything! When the apocalypse comes I'm planning to join whatever settlement she creates.

[BigIrishLug]

Brings back such good memories. Spring time always meant a new pair of boots, and you'd get the fleeces compressed by walking on them. By the time you were done, the lanolin had seeped into the new leather and your new boots would water shed through the year. Thank you for show casing this and have a champion day.

[kennymonty]

Ruth always captures my attention and her enthusiasm is infectious. She's a very good teacher. Of course I enjoy everyone on the show, as well.

[btyc]

Ruth is the backbone of the trio, much like women throughout history - such a good series.

[Tinkerbe]

I like how everyone in these documentaries is wearing historical costumes. Especially Ruth looks so nice, with the haido and the hoods.

[romanszmyt]

The way we would proceed with the cheese is we would put a heavy stone on top of the cheese still in the mold. That would help get rid of the liquid (which is good drink actually) and it would stay firm after the mold is removed.

[sebasmusician]

The shot at 57:00 looks so beautiful, the 3 of them sitting on the grass with the night sky behind them, being a historian sounds so fun

[brookejaquette]

Ruth is absolutely the best! You can tell she is loving every minute.

[baileysmith]

I want to be Ruth's friend so bad, she's incredible !

[Spitalhatch]

Another marvellous episode, expertly presented and without any attempt to glamourise the way of life of those days. Just like being there! Thank you.

[ThisTrainIsLost]

While the air and the scenery in farming country can be lovely, much of the romance of farming evaporates once you actually hunker down and deal with the hours and the labour. A season spent in the fields will either toughen you up or break you down.

[JustAllinOneResource]

I really enjoy your documentaries Absolute History. I really appreciate the work you folks do. Please take care of yourselves.

[supergamer]

so need a recipe book from all the foods ruth makes in this series!!!

[semperfidelis]

The violin, music and the beauty of the country... The dialogue the camaraderie, just all of it is beyond words
I have watched all of their videos over and over and it never gets dull for me

[JSCRocketScientist]

I do both spinning and weaving and it’s so incredible seeing how FAST the mill works the fleece into woven cloth. Although I imagine setting up the looms takes time. I know it’s not the point of Ruth’s hard work, but her Edwardian hairstyle is very attractive on her.