0:00:02 > 0:00:08The family. It's where we love, laugh, shout and cry.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- Ooh!- Don't fall off!- Higher!
0:00:11 > 0:00:14It makes us who we are.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18But it hasn't always been the cherished institution it is today.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22To find out how the modern family came to be,
0:00:22 > 0:00:24a group of parents and kids from across Britain
0:00:24 > 0:00:29are turning back time to face the same ordeals as millions of others
0:00:29 > 0:00:31over the past 100 years.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34In the northern seaside town of Morecambe,
0:00:34 > 0:00:36the past is coming alive.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42A row of terraced houses has been turned into time machines,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44to transport our families
0:00:44 > 0:00:47through the twists and turns of the 20th century.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49From the age of masters and servants...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51SCREAMS
0:00:51 > 0:00:53I felt a bit emotional, because I knew she was there
0:00:53 > 0:00:55to take the children away.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58She's quite difficult.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01..through the Roaring '20s, to The Depression.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Anything else of value will need to be sold.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07The fact that it was in front of the family, I felt really useless.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- Goldings! - From life on the home front...
0:01:09 > 0:01:11WHISTLE
0:01:11 > 0:01:14They're here, they'll never separate.
0:01:14 > 0:01:15..to the swinging '60s...
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Aren't you slightly concerned about the length of their skirts?
0:01:18 > 0:01:22We're starting the rebellion right now.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24..and on to the groovy '70s.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25I couldn't give a damn about material things.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28For me, family IS the most important thing.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32And the past is about to get personal.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Rather than just living in a museum,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38we're actually living an ancestor's life.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41She died of TB, consumption.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44I'm so...quite emotional.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46We take so much for granted, I think.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48We're turning back time
0:01:48 > 0:01:53to find out how history made the family what it is today.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Albert Road in Morecambe is undergoing a transformation.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09Last week, these were Edwardian homes.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12But now, they're being updated with fixtures and fittings
0:02:12 > 0:02:15that adorned working-class, middle-class
0:02:15 > 0:02:19and upper middle-class family homes of the 1920s and '30s.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24Moving back into Albert Road are polo-playing family
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Suzie and Phil Meadows and their two daughters.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30Joining them will be Ian Golding,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32a customer service consultant, his wife Naomi
0:02:32 > 0:02:35and their three children.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38And finally, the Taylors, A&E nurse Adele,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42electrician Michael and their four kids.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44Social historian Juliet Gardiner
0:02:44 > 0:02:47will be guiding the families on their time travels,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50along with antique gadget enthusiast, Joe Crowley,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52and journalist, Susanna Reid.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56As the families gather,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59they are about to enter a crucial time in Britain's history.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07The 1920s were shaped by The Great War that began in 1914.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10It was a war of unprecedented destruction,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13resulting in the death of over 15 million people.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Nearly 750,000 of those who died
0:03:16 > 0:03:20were British fathers, husbands and sons.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23Welcome back, families,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26and things have changed a lot since you've been away.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31You're going to be living through the interwar era, the 1920s and 1930s,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35and we're starting here at Morecambe's War Memorial,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39because the First World War had had a devastating effect on family life.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41And among OUR families,
0:03:41 > 0:03:46I'm sorry to say that Suzie's grandfather was wounded in Palestine
0:03:46 > 0:03:50and Michael's great-grandfather, Alfred, was killed in the trenches.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53The era you're going to be living through was one
0:03:53 > 0:03:57of remembrance and rebuilding the family life.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59The family became particularly valued.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Children were no longer seen just as workers
0:04:03 > 0:04:05or people to be seen and not heard
0:04:05 > 0:04:08and childhood was seen as a time of enjoyment.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12You may find life a little bit more comfortable, but be warned,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16as life in Britain at this time was a financial roller coaster.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21Now it's back to Albert Road to see how your homes have changed.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Where the families live, and the social status that comes with it,
0:04:27 > 0:04:28depends on their ancestry.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- Do you think we've got an upstairs? - We've got the same curtains...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Dating back to the 1900s, Phil Meadows' great-grandfather
0:04:36 > 0:04:39was a general labourer, called James Meadows,
0:04:39 > 0:04:44which put his family in number 3, the working-class house.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47- Here we go.- Wow! What a transformation.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- We've got furniture, a radio. - Hey, this is good.
0:04:51 > 0:04:52This is so much better.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I'm going to cope with this actually quite easily.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Last week, the family endured a two-room dwelling.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01One bedroom, where all four slept...
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- Ooh...- Da-da!
0:05:03 > 0:05:06I'm not peeing in that after you've peed in it.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07LAUGHTER
0:05:07 > 0:05:10..and nothing but an open fire to cook on.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Ah, ooh.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Oh, my God, we've actually got a kitchen!
0:05:14 > 0:05:15LAUGHTER
0:05:15 > 0:05:18The family now have two bedrooms,
0:05:18 > 0:05:22a 100% improvement on the Edwardian era.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23Oh, wow.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24Oh, this is lovely.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- Oh, how cute is this? - Bagsy this bed.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30Ah, now this actually, this looks very civilised.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Less civilised is the lack of indoor plumbing.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34The toilet is still in the back yard.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37I can't believe in 30 years
0:05:37 > 0:05:39there wasn't any upgrade for poor families.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40Same loo paper?
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Do you know the technique? There's a technique.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Wipe yourself down.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53The Goldings are returning to their middle-class existence
0:05:53 > 0:05:54at number 2, Albert Road.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59Ian Golding's great-great-grandfather was Nathan Ludsky,
0:05:59 > 0:06:00an Edwardian middle-class Taylor,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04which is why the Golding's have the middle-class house.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Oh, my God, look at that fireplace!
0:06:07 > 0:06:09How much more comfortable is this?
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Oh, this is certainly more cosy. - Oh, yes.- Less formal.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- Look at the light. How is it? Electricity!- Look at that.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- Oh, my word.- Oh, my God! - HE LAUGHS
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- Gas.- Gas cooker. Hot and cold water, look.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26During the inter-war years,
0:06:26 > 0:06:30there was an explosion of packaged and branded consumer goods,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32many of which are still in existence today.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- My mum said you'll have Oxo cubes, remember? - We've got so much more stuff.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Social historian Juliet Gardiner
0:06:39 > 0:06:41has provided each family with a manual,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43telling them how they'll be living.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45"Ian is working as an estate agent",
0:06:45 > 0:06:47like his grandfather?!
0:06:47 > 0:06:50I'm really surprised he was an estate agent.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- What's an estate agent? - A person that not many people like.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55It's all right, selling houses, isn't it?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57"The inter-war years were a boom time for house-building.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59"The suburbs spread out from the cities
0:06:59 > 0:07:02"and the middle classes moved out for a better life."
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- Oh, yes!- I can't believe I'm an estate agent.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- It looks more comfortable. - That looks good, doesn't it?
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Yes, it does.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13DOORBELL RINGS
0:07:13 > 0:07:16House number 1 is home to the Taylors,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19where again, they'll be waited on by servants.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Good morning, sir and madam.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24I'm your maid and this is your cook.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26Michael Taylor is the descendant
0:07:26 > 0:07:28of successful mill manager, William Bennett,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31a man at the heart of Britain's thriving cotton industry
0:07:31 > 0:07:33in the 19th century.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- How is it?- Ooh, wow!- Wow! - We've got a radio.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- We have a telephone.- Radio! - Oh, we've got a booze cabinet.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- Look at all the CDs at the bottom.- CDs?
0:07:43 > 0:07:44Do you not know what these are?
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Discs...- Vinyl. You won't have seen a record player before,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49that's brand new to you.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52But last week, the Taylors discovered
0:07:52 > 0:07:55the life of the idle rich had its drawbacks.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59The children were raised by a strict nanny...
0:07:59 > 0:08:02Remember that children should be seen and not heard.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06..while mum and dad lived virtually separate lives.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08I'm here on my own,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10which is a horrible feeling, knowing that Adele
0:08:10 > 0:08:14and the children are home. It's horrid.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16(It is horrid.)
0:08:18 > 0:08:22It would be nice if we could get the music going, wouldn't it?
0:08:22 > 0:08:23This is more what we're used to,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26there's going to be music playing and noise
0:08:26 > 0:08:30and it's just going to feel a heck of a lot better than that silence.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35And it's not just Adele who has reason to feel optimistic.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36Oh, we've got a train set!
0:08:36 > 0:08:40The children, no longer viewed by society as mini adults,
0:08:40 > 0:08:41get to enjoy proper playtime,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45with toys made purely for their enjoyment.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Hornby, Meccano and Dinky toys.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- This is a play room, isn't it? - Yes.- Not a schoolroom.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I want to be a kid again!
0:08:53 > 0:08:55I'm now not going to get bored.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58"You may not be quite as wealthy as you were in the Edwardian period,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01"but for now, money is still not a worry for you."
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- We can spend away!- Spend.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06"None of you will need to work."
0:09:06 > 0:09:09"Father is a man of independent means.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10"He has shares in the big four -
0:09:10 > 0:09:13"cotton, coal, steel and shipbuilding.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14"You're accustomed to good living.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17"You will want to keep up appearances.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20"It's the roaring '20s, so go and live life to the full."
0:09:21 > 0:09:25From a happy family to an apprehensive one.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29The Meadows are about to find out what jobs they'll be doing.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32As Edwardians, they lived a hand-to-mouth existence,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34working long hours for little money.
0:09:34 > 0:09:39So will life just 20 years later be any easier?
0:09:39 > 0:09:41OK, "your family are still working class,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43"but thankfully, things have improved greatly.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46"You are all employed in domestic service.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48"You work for your neighbours, Saskia..."
0:09:48 > 0:09:53Oh... "You're employed as first housemaid in the Taylor household,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56"and the responsibility for keeping it clean and running smoothly is yours."
0:09:56 > 0:09:59"Genevieve, junior housemaid.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02"You are joining your sister in service as a junior housemaid.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05"As the newcomer, you are subordinate to your sister
0:10:05 > 0:10:07"as she teaches you the ropes."
0:10:07 > 0:10:09LAUGHS >
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Oh, my God, I'm going to be so mean.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- At least you're together. - I don't want to see this.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17I don't want to open this page. "Phil, chauffeur."
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Hey!- "You're working as a chauffeur,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22"so you're also going to work for the Taylors."
0:10:22 > 0:10:25We're all going to work for the Taylors. Suzie.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28"You'll be working as a part-time general domestic
0:10:28 > 0:10:29"for the Goldings next door,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32"cooking and cleaning for a few hours a week."
0:10:32 > 0:10:33That's not too bad.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35It could've been worse, guys. It could have been a lot worse.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Says he, sitting there as a chauffeur,
0:10:38 > 0:10:40that does nothing all day
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- except wait for the family to come out.- And you get to drive that car.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46So get your arm off my shoulder immediately.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47You're ganging up on me.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- Phil, how are you?- Joe, how are you doing? Nice to see you again. - Good to see you.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Joe Crowley's here to explain
0:10:56 > 0:10:58why Phil's been given the job of chauffeur.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Time to look at the Meadows' maternal family tree.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05Phil knows little of his family history
0:11:05 > 0:11:08beyond his grandfather, Reginald Turney.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11But Joe has traced back two further generations
0:11:11 > 0:11:14to his great-grandfather, William Turney
0:11:14 > 0:11:18and his great-great-grandfather, John Turney.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21So, let's have a look at the census. Here, we can see
0:11:21 > 0:11:26William, a grown-up, 35, this is your great-grandfather,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- and there's a name you'll recognise. - Oh, God. That would be Reg.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30And he's five.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32This is where Reginald first pops up.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Phil knew his grandfather Reginald well,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38but he didn't know what he'd done for a living.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41So Reginald's father William is a groom,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43and his father before him was a groom
0:11:43 > 0:11:45and Reginald, he's the one who makes the transition,
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- and this is so exciting, because here we have your family...- Yes?
0:11:50 > 0:11:53..reflecting and mapping this huge change in British society,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55which is the rise of the motor car.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58This is Reginald's marriage certificate.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00The thing I want to draw your attention to
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- is if we spool across here - profession, chauffeur.- OK.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- How does it feel to see that? - Yes, amazing. Amazing.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- Look where he's working. - Wow, look at that place.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- Cor.- This was the home of Sir Frederick Ponsonby and his wife.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18As only it could be. Frederick Ponsonby?
0:12:18 > 0:12:20He's a very established gentleman.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22He worked for the Royal Family for many years
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- and royalty stayed at this house. - Amazing.- How does it feel
0:12:25 > 0:12:27that you'll be doing the same thing?
0:12:27 > 0:12:31Great, very excited actually. And then to live it will be fantastic.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35MUSIC AND WHISTLING
0:12:35 > 0:12:37# Whistle while you work... #
0:12:37 > 0:12:40I'm really looking forward
0:12:40 > 0:12:43to being a chauffeur this week. One, because I get to drive
0:12:43 > 0:12:44this great car.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48One of my concerns is that we are quite reliant
0:12:48 > 0:12:52on the Taylor household for our family income.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55You've all your eggs in one basket, but the fact that we've got work
0:12:55 > 0:12:57and we're getting paid, we can't complain,
0:12:57 > 0:12:59but we're vulnerable. If anything happens to the Taylors,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03it's going to drastically affect my household.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- Afternoon, sir.- Good afternoon, how are you?
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Usual club, sir? - Yes, please.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09# Come on, get smart
0:13:09 > 0:13:15# Tune up and start to whistle while you work... #
0:13:17 > 0:13:18Thank you.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22While Phil Meadows' job gets him out and about,
0:13:22 > 0:13:26his daughters Saskia, 18, and Genevieve, 15,
0:13:26 > 0:13:27are behind closed doors.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34Last era, privileged teen Genevieve worked for her mum.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37This time, she's expected to knuckle down on her own.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Pretty basic. But hard work though.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43In the post-war era,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46there were job options beyond domestic service for young women.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49So, wealthy families made the work as attractive as possible,
0:13:49 > 0:13:55with better pay and the latest domestic appliances.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00It's a completely different, like, environment to be in.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03The Taylors have spent the equivalent of £157
0:14:03 > 0:14:09on a vacuum cleaner, £11,000 on a fancy motor car
0:14:09 > 0:14:13and are now the proud owners of the latest gadget for their scullery.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Joe arrives to show Genevieve how to use it.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20This is an inter-war washing machine.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23This cost your employers £100.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27In today's money, that's over £5,000.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- Oh, my God!- So, how does it work?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Despite being cutting edge, it's still a little bit basic.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- You see this thing?- Yes. - It's called the agitator,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39that's basically just going to move around to mimic hand washing.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Here's your water heater.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44This, just be careful, no fingers, knuckles going in.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46One more thing, this is cutting edge,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49because it's got a electric motor on it, which is fantastic.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51But the way it's designed, you've got quite a lot of water
0:14:51 > 0:14:53above an electric motor. Just be careful.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Those two shouldn't really meet.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00Oh, no, I'm really clumsy though. Oh, no.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Take your time, it will be fine.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- All right. I'll leave you to it. Good luck.- Thank you.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07At home, I probably do...
0:15:07 > 0:15:11I do close to no washing at all.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14And it is a pretty big basket.
0:15:14 > 0:15:20And a pretty big pile of clothes, so it's going to take forever.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27SHE GIGGLES
0:15:29 > 0:15:33- Oh, good morning, Mrs Meadows. - Good morning.- Come in.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Suzie's joined the growing workforce
0:15:35 > 0:15:37of women working part-time as domestics.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40But not for the upper classes.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43The middle classes were employing staff too.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47Right, so we're going to do mushrooms,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49tomatoes and sausages.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- Sausages.- Yeah.- That'd be lovely.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55And is it possible to have some scrambled eggs with that?
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- Yes, it is.- The children requested scrambled eggs.- No problemo.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- You have quite an abundance of eggs. - We do have several.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Yeah, so that's fine.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08It's a joy to be cooking on gas. SHE LAUGHS
0:16:08 > 0:16:10I have definitely gone up a notch.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14As it stands at the moment, I feel quite relaxed about cooking today.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17By the time I get home and have to cook for my own family,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I think I might be a bit more ratty about the whole thing.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Suzie isn't the only member of the Meadows family waiting on someone else.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- Thank you, that's lovely. - Salmon with capers.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37Saskia also has to manage the new scullery maid.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Hello. How's it going?
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Is this your version of folding?
0:16:42 > 0:16:44That's my to-do pile.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Where's your washed pile? - I haven't got a washed pile!
0:16:47 > 0:16:49What have you been doing?
0:16:49 > 0:16:53In six hours, Genevieve has washed only one shirt.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- Are you telling me that you've just washed that?- Yeah.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- Gen, Come on.- I just did the washing and the mangle,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and now it's just come out dirtier.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Make it work. We need to earn money.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06That is the best I can do.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09I bet you you CAN do this. I bet you.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Just prove it, because if you do that, then you'll get an upgrade,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- I mean, a promotion. - To what, Saskia?
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Maid. Assistant chef.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Today it's not just toys that are keeping the Taylor children happy.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Their new nanny is a hit too.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Then, if it hits one of these balls out, you get to keep that ball.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40If it goes through one of the gaps, you don't.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46GIRL LAUGHS
0:17:46 > 0:17:47You can play the next turn. OK?
0:17:47 > 0:17:49And, happy with the childcare,
0:17:49 > 0:17:54Michael and Adele get their first chance for a social outing as a couple.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56OK.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01It might be a little bit bumpy here, madam.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08It's a huge change, not only from their Edwardian experience,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10but also their modern-day lives.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- We wouldn't normally get out.- No. - We just don't go.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Cos we don't have babysitters, we just don't go out very often.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- Yeah.- Not just the two of us, anyway.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Just tell me when you want me to blow the horn, sir.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Any time now would be good. - HORN TOOTS
0:18:24 > 0:18:27THEY LAUGH
0:18:29 > 0:18:32A glamorous night at the Midland Hotel in Morecambe...
0:18:33 > 0:18:37..which once played host to Coco Chanel and Wallis Simpson.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43The new, fun-loving society wanted to live a life of pleasure
0:18:43 > 0:18:46and indulgence after the privations of wartime.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52Wealthy families like the Taylors revelled in novelties from America,
0:18:52 > 0:18:56including jazz, cocktails and elaborate dance moves.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- INSTRUCTOR:- Five, six... Let's go!
0:19:09 > 0:19:13You can see why they did it. You know, they had a shocking time in the war.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17They survived, they're victorious. Get out and live life to the full,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21cos they're young people who've seen people die, haven't they?
0:19:21 > 0:19:23So they just want to grab life by the hands.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25Lovely. Thank you.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30It's not just Adele who's appreciating life
0:19:30 > 0:19:32in the promising new era.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Yeah, that'd knock your head off, wouldn't it?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38The fact that we've got, the whole family's got jobs,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42and we can, you know, eat at night and we've got a nice, warm house.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44That's a big bonus to us.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48And it was only last week, we were really hungry,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51cold half the time, filthy dirty all the time.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53We've stepped up a gear from there.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58Self-made man Phil is already eyeing the next rung on the social ladder.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02I think I would naturally try and find to improve my lot.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04I think I'm just like that. Suzie is as well.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07And I literally would say, "What would I do? Oh, I know,
0:20:07 > 0:20:11"probably start a chauffer school." You've got to tier up, haven't you?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14And I think just naturally I would try and do that.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16If you could make it happen, it might not be possible,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19but I'd certainly look into doing it, if there is a way of making it happen.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS
0:20:23 > 0:20:27For now, Phil's dreams will have to be put on hold,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30as he waits for his employers to finish their night out.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38I'm home!
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- < Hello!- Hello. - Hello, family.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- We're in the kitchen. - It's been a very long day for me.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47I'm freezing. I hope that fire's on.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49How is everyone?
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Oh, you're a star. They need a big pull.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Oh, that is good. Ah!
0:20:54 > 0:20:58I tell you, this is nice. Cup of tea, fire, family.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02All we need is some comfortable chairs. It would be like home.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14Next morning, and all three families have settled happily
0:21:14 > 0:21:18into the routine of their respective classes.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Dad, would you like to help Jack with his sugar?
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Oh, yes, would you like some sugar, Jack?
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Is that nice and warm? - Yes, lovely and warm.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- Morning.- BOTH: Good morning.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- How are you this morning?- Very good, thank you. How was your evening?
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Very nice, thank you very much. - Lovely, thank you.- Enjoy your tea.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39BOTH: Thank you very much.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43As the Taylors take it easy,
0:21:43 > 0:21:48across town, newly-appointed estate agent Ian Golding...
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- Good morning.- Good morning. You must be Mr Robinson.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53..is reaping the rewards of the housing boom.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56That leaded window is certainly impressive.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00It is. Another wonderful window. But I love the staircase as well.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01In the inter-war years,
0:22:01 > 0:22:05nearly four million new homes were built across Britain.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09As the houses multiplied, so did the number of middle-class families,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11all buying into the domestic ideal.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Wow! That is impressive.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18The light hits you as soon as you walk into this room.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- And the open view.- Walk-in pantry.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- We'll be quite the talk of our friends and neighbours. - Absolutely.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29Ian's wife Naomi is about to set to work too...
0:22:29 > 0:22:30on her children...
0:22:30 > 0:22:33OK. You guys keep playing.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38..following the advice of Dr Watson, a middle-class favourite in child rearing.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43In the 1900s, Ian struggled as a strict, Edwardian father.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Hello, how are you? - What are you doing in here?
0:22:46 > 0:22:48You're not allowed to be in the kitchen. Can you leave, please?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51You do not come in this kitchen.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Leave the kitchen.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56CHILD BEGINS TO CRY
0:22:58 > 0:23:00He wants to see you when you come home from work.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- He needs to understand that this is the way it was.- I know.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Now it's Naomi's turn to be the disciplinarian.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10"There is a sensible way of treating children.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13"Never hug and kiss them. Never let them sit on your lap.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18"If you must, kiss them once on the forehead when they say good night,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21"and shake hands with them in the morning."
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Good morning, Katie. How are you?
0:23:23 > 0:23:24"Give them a pat on the head
0:23:24 > 0:23:28"if they've made an extraordinarily good job of a difficult task."
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Little pat on the head.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32No kisses. A pat on... Night-night, Jack.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33GIRL LAUGHS
0:23:33 > 0:23:35So, guys...
0:23:35 > 0:23:39This is the last time this week we'll be able to cuddle on the sofa together like this.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- Hey?- I'm quite pleased, because it's not for the whole year.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- NAOMI CHUCKLES It's not forever.- No.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51So it's discipline for some, but not for others.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55The Taylors' nanny is sending them out on a treasure hunt.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58This is the map of where you are going to be going.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02- How are we meant to see that big cross?- That's where the treasure is.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- I've got a compass. - You've got a compass, have you?
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- At home. - THEY ALL SIGH
0:24:07 > 0:24:10And if it's anything to do with chocolate, I'll find it.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12In keeping with the times,
0:24:12 > 0:24:16the Taylor children's adventure will be without any adult supervision.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19It's a first for the kids and for Mum and Dad.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- Oh, I am so jealous. I want a cuddle.- Have a nice time.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- Find the treasure. - Bye, Mum!- Have a great time.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- Bye, Mum, bye, Dad.- Bye.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30So we've got to hike all the way up there. Woo!
0:24:30 > 0:24:32You're not meant to pull Lily's dress down.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34There might be a monster!
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Don't fall in!
0:24:36 > 0:24:41This was the year when Swallows And Amazons and The Famous Five were bestsellers.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45A time when children were encouraged to roam free,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47giving them far more independence than they have today.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- We're probably on this black line somewhere.- There.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56We're going to go along here, up here...
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Like, without Mum and Dad, it's quite nice,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02cos you've got a bit more freedom, which is good.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- Near the treasure. - Is there something there?
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Something brown. Something squidgy!
0:25:11 > 0:25:13THEY GASP
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Gold!- Chocolate money! - Share it all out!
0:25:16 > 0:25:20It's not just the kids who are adapting to their new freedom.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23"Alice," I said, "What's in your bag?"
0:25:23 > 0:25:26She said, "I've got two cans of beans and five tennis balls!"
0:25:26 > 0:25:30She was really excited that she's off out.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- Out doing adventure. - It might do them some good actually,
0:25:33 > 0:25:35because if there's no adult disciplining them,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38they'll have to beat each other to a pulp first, then sort it out, won't they?
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I think we were pleasantly surprised with how...
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Cos I think they're quite well-adjusted in that respect,
0:25:43 > 0:25:45to be able to cope and get on with it.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47I found the treasure!
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- We're back. - Hi, guys. How'd you get on?
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- We found treasure. - You found the treasure? - Fantastic. Let's have a look.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56So did you fall out or did you all get on?
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- We all got on.- Did you?
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- It's nice without you there. - Is it?- Yeah.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Alice, you have to show me this treasure. What did you get?
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Wow!- Look, it's gold.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09We got 71 chocolate coins!
0:26:09 > 0:26:12Oh, look.
0:26:12 > 0:26:13Mmm!
0:26:16 > 0:26:22Back at 2 Albert Road, Naomi's new childcare regime is in full swing.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Pat on the head. Good job.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Good picture, Jack.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33And when Ian returns home, he too is expected to make a contribution
0:26:33 > 0:26:35to the new parenting plan.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- Oh, wow! Look at that. Who knows how to play this game?- Me!
0:26:42 > 0:26:47After work, middle-class fathers were encouraged to spend half an hour with their children...
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Oh, who's going to win?
0:26:50 > 0:26:54..playing and communicating, instead of laying down the law.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- Oh, who's is that? Is that Katie's? - No, Jack wins.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Well done, Jack.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- Guys, do you like doing this? - ALL AT ONCE: Yeah!
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Oh, I'm the red beauty.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Yeah!- No, that was Daddy!
0:27:10 > 0:27:12But as the good times roll,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15an event is occurring 3,000 miles away
0:27:15 > 0:27:19that's about to shatter Albert Road's blissful existence.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25Forever immortalised as Black Tuesday, 29 October 1929
0:27:25 > 0:27:30saw 30 billion wiped off American share prices in a matter of days.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34REPORTER: 'The tremendous crowds which you see gathered outside the Stock Exchange
0:27:34 > 0:27:36'are due to the greatest crash in the history
0:27:36 > 0:27:40'of the New York Stock Exchange in market prices.'
0:27:40 > 0:27:43This drastically changed the terms of world trade,
0:27:43 > 0:27:46heralding a prolonged global depression.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48For families all over the UK,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52it was a hammer blow to any dreams of economic advancement.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55By the winter of 1932,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59almost a quarter of the working population were laid off,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02as mines, mills and shipyards fell silent.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Joe is visiting the wealthiest family on the road,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09to reveal the impact of the crash on their finances.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Well, I have to say, I'm here as the bearer of bad news.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17This is very definitely a down. Wall Street has crashed
0:28:17 > 0:28:19and the world has entered into global recession.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23You have many shares in the industries that are declining.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Shipbuilding, cotton, coal.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28You are going to have to make severe savings.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- These are your household accounts. - Mm-hm.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Here's the breakdown on what you spend on staff,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36your motor car, your mortgage, your tax.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Clearly there are some things you cannot do without,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42because remember, you're upper class and have to keep up appearances.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- Right.- You've been accustomed to the best things in life.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47I'll to leave that with you.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49But do take it seriously, these are tough choices.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- Yeah.- And you're going to have to work out what you sacrifice.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Or should I say, even WHO you sacrifice.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59I'll leave it with you. Good luck.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02We're skint, darling.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- HE LAUGHS Great(!)- We've got no more money!
0:29:04 > 0:29:09The Taylors have joined the growing band of Britain's wealthy
0:29:09 > 0:29:11who, in the Depression, were forced to cut their outgoings
0:29:11 > 0:29:13and face a new austerity.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18- So that's your total of what they're telling us our essentials are.- Yes.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22Right, we want a financial cushion which will be £100.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25In modern-day life, you couldn't live without a car.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28A car's freedom, isn't it?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31The second housemaid is actually cheaper than the first housemaid.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- And as a compromise...- Yeah. - ..you'd save yourself £5-a-year.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39We've got to consider that there's three members of the same family
0:29:39 > 0:29:42working for us. But if we sack all three,
0:29:42 > 0:29:46that's their income into their house gone.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03The next morning, and the Taylor household is running as normal.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- Thank you.- Enjoy.- I'm hoping elastic's invented soon.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13THEY LAUGH
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- Is Sir going out this afternoon? - I don't know.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21The staff are still here working for us at the moment,
0:30:21 > 0:30:25and we're about to do something that's really rotten and horrible.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Everything OK? - Yeah, I'm done. Thank you.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30When everybody's finished clearing up
0:30:30 > 0:30:33from breakfast, could we have all staff in the drawing room, please?
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- Yes, of course. - That would be lovely. Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42You're heartless, you are.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44HE LAUGHS
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- I've got some interesting news. - What?
0:30:47 > 0:30:50All the staff have been called to the drawing room.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52HE GASPS
0:30:52 > 0:30:56As soon as we've finished clearing up from breakfast, which is now.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59So, whenever you're ready...
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Adele and Michael have decided that Adele should be the one to break the bad news,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06while Michael retreats to his study.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09KNOCK ON DOOR Come in.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Hello, everybody.
0:31:16 > 0:31:22I've had to call you together to tell you some bad news.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26I'm sure you're all aware that the Depression has hit,
0:31:26 > 0:31:32and we were told last night how badly that was going to affect this house,
0:31:32 > 0:31:36which has left us with some really, really tough decisions to make.
0:31:36 > 0:31:41Chef, I'm afraid we're going to have to ask you to take a pay cut.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Also, our food budget is to be cut by two-thirds.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Phil, the car is expensive to keep,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51which unfortunately means we can no longer keep you employed.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56We will keep Saskia employed on the wages that she is on now,
0:31:56 > 0:31:58but sadly we have to lose Genevieve.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04But I just hope the fact that we can keep one income in your house
0:32:04 > 0:32:06helps just a little bit.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:32:17 > 0:32:22Not nice, is it? But if they know that we're really struggling,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25that's the only way to do it, isn't it? There's no point pretending.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- Look at this face! - I'm not working if I get fired.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- I've never been sacked before! - I haven't either.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35She did put it nicely, and they're great bosses.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37You're very brave.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- It has to be done, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44You do realise that this means that I'm going to have to do everything.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- You're going to have to be the scullery AND their maid. - I need to get out and find a job.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- I'm going to be washing, washing up...- I might join the army.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56..cleaning the beds, serving breakfast.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Do you reckon I can get one last spin in the motor before it goes?
0:33:02 > 0:33:06It represents a bit of my freedom, I suppose,
0:33:06 > 0:33:07in the big scheme of things.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11But moreover, I think it represents a job for Phil,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14that car...which is harder still.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Really, it feels crap, basically.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23I think anyone being rejected feels rubbish.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29I can't help but think back to what a struggle it was
0:33:29 > 0:33:32in our last period, a week ago,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36when literally work was done on a day-to-day basis,
0:33:36 > 0:33:38which it sounds like it's going to go back to.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39Unless I can find something permanent,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42but it'll be really difficult to find a permanent job.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49You know, I've now got all the pressure of...
0:33:49 > 0:33:53feeding my family. I mean, what Saskia earns and what Suzie earns,
0:33:53 > 0:33:55if Suzie keeps her job next door, is not going to be enough.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57We're going to go into more and more debt,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59then we'll get into a really bad cycle.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03Whilst unemployment hit nearly a third of unskilled workers
0:34:03 > 0:34:07and those relying on shares lost much of the wealth,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10most white-collar workers, like Ian Golding, held onto their jobs.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Hello.- How are you?- How are you?
0:34:14 > 0:34:16- Good day?- Very good. Very good.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- I sold a house.- Did you?- Yes. - Well done.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- So that's more money into the coffers, eh?- It is.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24OK.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Unscathed by the Depression,
0:34:27 > 0:34:31he's off with his family to enjoy the latest leisure craze.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33# Oh, give me land... #
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Are you going to come after me, Katie? Are you coming after me?
0:34:37 > 0:34:38Cool stile.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41RADIO: 'Let's take a walk and enjoy one of the cheapest,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45'healthiest and most inexpensive pastimes never invented.'
0:34:45 > 0:34:50After the First World War highlighted Britain's unhealthy and often undernourished nation,
0:34:50 > 0:34:53the government launched initiatives to encourage families
0:34:53 > 0:34:57to get fit and have fun whilst doing it.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01Fresh air was all the rage, albeit mainly for the middle classes.
0:35:01 > 0:35:07- Come on, Jacko.- Jacko. SHE LAUGHS
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- It's a change for you, though, from last week!- Yeah, it's nice to be...
0:35:11 > 0:35:15It's just nice to be outside, and not just the street. Just nice to be...
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Oh, yeah, the views are stunning, and just be together as a family.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- Who's done all the poo-poos? - I think it's sheepies.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- Cows.- Cows?- Sheepies, up here.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27THEY ALL LAUGH
0:35:28 > 0:35:32Last week I was very jealous of Mr Taylor in the upper-class house.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37But I think there's no doubt that we're the lucky family this week.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Three, two, one...
0:35:40 > 0:35:41Yeah!
0:35:44 > 0:35:47As the day draws to a close,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Phil Meadows has failed to find any employment.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56You feel a lot more secure when you've got a full-time job.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00You feel good about yourself, and you can bring something to the family.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02You relax a little bit in the environment
0:36:02 > 0:36:04when you've got a full-time job.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08These last days has felt like stepping back to where we were.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Another day in Morecambe.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25And with mum Suzie and daughter Saskia now the only wage-earners
0:36:25 > 0:36:29in the Meadows household, the forecast is gloomy.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Even the upper-class Taylors are feeling the effects of the Depression.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36- My(!)- Wow! HE LAUGHS
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Meagre rations!
0:36:38 > 0:36:40As the chef said, a scaled-down breakfast.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- Thank you.- That's lovely, thank you. I was expecting less, to be honest.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49- Enjoy.- Thank you. The sad thing is, you can't even make...
0:36:50 > 0:36:52..a smile out of your breakfast.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Look. It's missing an eye.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59It's a Picasso. I think possibly it's a good thing for me.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05If I carried on eating like we were eating, I'd be as big as a house.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08I feel like I should take my time over it.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10An egg would've been nice!
0:37:10 > 0:37:13We have gone down in the world.
0:37:13 > 0:37:14Oh, we have. Certainly.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19The interesting thing is, we're kind of aware that actually
0:37:19 > 0:37:22the middle-class family have got the car and they've got a cook
0:37:22 > 0:37:25doing them a full English and some nice...
0:37:25 > 0:37:28They're feeling like they're coming up in the world.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- I think this is the beginning of the levelling of the...- Mm.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36..the classes, as such. I mean, at least financially.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- At least we get a silver tea set. - Mm.- Hey? When will that go?
0:37:40 > 0:37:41HE LAUGHS
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Is it real silver? Can we pawn it?
0:37:44 > 0:37:48The Depression's had little impact on the Goldings next door.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52But historian Juliette has uncovered something in Ian's ancestry
0:37:52 > 0:37:54that tells a different story.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Ian, I've got a document here about your grandfather,
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- which I think is really going to interest you. Look.- OK.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- Have a look at it.- It's an original.
0:38:03 > 0:38:09In 1936, Ian's grandfather, Joseph Goldinsky, changed his identity.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13Oh, this is Grandpa. Oh, my word.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17"It is hereby declared, on behalf of myself and my wife
0:38:17 > 0:38:21"and my children, I absolutely and entirely renounce, relinquish
0:38:21 > 0:38:25"and abandon the use of my said former surname of Goldinsky
0:38:25 > 0:38:29"and assume and adopt and determine to take and use from the date hereof
0:38:29 > 0:38:31"the surname of Golding."
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Obviously what it doesn't say is why.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36I think we need to explore this further,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39and I think the way to do it is going to be to take a trip
0:38:39 > 0:38:42to the East End of London, and find out more.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Wow! Well, that would be amazing to be able to do that.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47That would be fantastic.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Ian's about to find out
0:38:56 > 0:38:59how the economic depression that was gripping Britain
0:38:59 > 0:39:02had an insidious effect on his Jewish ancestors.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08So far, his middle-class existence echoes that of Nathan Ludsky
0:39:08 > 0:39:10on his maternal line.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13But life for his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Pauline,
0:39:13 > 0:39:14was very different.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19In 1936, the British Union of Fascists attempted to march
0:39:19 > 0:39:22in their thousands through the Jewish East End.
0:39:22 > 0:39:28RADIO ANNOUNCER: 'Oswald Mosley, Blackshirt leader, arrives at Royal Mint Street to inspect his followers.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30'Instead, thousands of East Enders prepare to resist the invasion,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33'barricading the paths the fascists would take.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36'Incensed by Blackshirt, anti-red, anti-Jew propaganda,
0:39:36 > 0:39:38'the crowd take matters into their own hands.'
0:39:43 > 0:39:46We're standing just off Cable Street.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48What can have in front of us is a mural,
0:39:48 > 0:39:53painted to commemorate the Battle of Cable Street,
0:39:53 > 0:39:57that historic moment of resistance to fascism,
0:39:57 > 0:40:01when the population of the East End of London - Jews, Communists,
0:40:01 > 0:40:04members of the Labour Party, trade unionists -
0:40:04 > 0:40:10turned out to resist the march of Oswald Mosley's 2,000 Blackshirts
0:40:10 > 0:40:13through the heart of the Jewish East End.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Could I ask you to cover your head, please?
0:40:20 > 0:40:25Yes, of course. It's been a long time since I put one of these on.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- Well, it suits you. - Thank you very much.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Right, shall we have a look inside?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32The reason we've come here is because
0:40:32 > 0:40:39your grandparents were married in a synagogue just round the corner.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41It was really where, I think,
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- more than 60% of the Jews in Britain at this period lived.- Really?
0:40:45 > 0:40:48Yes, but that doesn't mean to say
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- that it was a very easy life for the Jews.- No.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54And now we come to something which is really pretty shocking.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57This is an extract from the Daily Mirror
0:40:57 > 0:40:59on the 5th of April 1939.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- The year your grandfather got married.- The year they got married,
0:41:02 > 0:41:04"Pig's Head Nailed On A Synagogue." Hmm.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09"An act of desecration of the Burma Road Synagogue, Stoke Newington,
0:41:09 > 0:41:13"during the Jewish Passover observances was revealed yesterday."
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Blimey. These guys were serious, they really did want to...
0:41:16 > 0:41:17- Absolutely.- ..scare them away.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20There was fascism rising all over Europe, of course.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23There was Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Italy.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26We had our own home-grown fascist, Sir Oswald Mosley,
0:41:26 > 0:41:28founder and leader of the Blackshirts.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31The '30s was a time when people felt that nothing much was happening.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33The British government was limp,
0:41:33 > 0:41:35they couldn't deal with unemployment,
0:41:35 > 0:41:39they didn't seem to be able to deal with international tensions,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41and here was action, a strong man.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43And in times like that you look for a strong man.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46And Mosley, tragically, seemed like the strong man.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50I'm amazed. They look like Nazis. Jews are living in these buildings.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54Seeing this walking past, I mean, it must have been flipping scary,
0:41:54 > 0:42:00so I can understand why changing your name so you appear less Jewish
0:42:00 > 0:42:04might have been the best thing you could do at the time.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Ian heads back to Albert Road to contemplate
0:42:10 > 0:42:14the family history he knew nothing about.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Um, I've had a bit of a day today.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20An amazing day, really.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23And, you know, I'm here today because of their bravery
0:42:23 > 0:42:28and because they dug their heels in, they lived through it,
0:42:28 > 0:42:32they came through it and they came out the other side.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37I think my family have a hell of a lot to be proud of.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48The Meadows are starting their day
0:42:48 > 0:42:51with a scheme that entrepreneur Phil has come up with
0:42:51 > 0:42:53to improve his family's fortunes.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57One and a half, one and a half! Oh, it smells amazing.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00They're going into the confectionary business.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03At the moment, we just need to get some money in
0:43:03 > 0:43:05and we'll take it from there. I mean, seriously,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08there's nothing else to do. There's nothing going on.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10You know, this place is dead.
0:43:11 > 0:43:17It's a smart move, as sugar at this time was both plentiful and cheap.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21We've made some honeycomb this morning. And now it's set,
0:43:21 > 0:43:24we're going to bash it so that it divides into pieces
0:43:24 > 0:43:28and then we're going to package it and sell it from our front room
0:43:28 > 0:43:31which is being converted into a sweet shop.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35The one time you need people on the street, there's no-one around.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37Honeycomb for sale!
0:43:41 > 0:43:44Right, shall I go and knock on... D'you want some honeycomb?
0:43:44 > 0:43:49- Honeycomb for sale!- Honeycomb for sale! No? Tesco's OK for you...
0:43:49 > 0:43:53Girls, girls, upmarket honeycomb. OK, upmarket.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55Upmarket honeycomb for sale!
0:43:55 > 0:43:58- Honeycomb for sale! - Honeycomb for sale!
0:43:58 > 0:44:03Phil's enterprise mirrors many grassroots businesses
0:44:03 > 0:44:04started in the Depression era,
0:44:04 > 0:44:07as families attempted to escape poverty.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10- Hi there, d'you like honeycomb? No.- No, OK.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13Put your hand in your pocket, get in there and buy some honeycomb.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16- Come on.- Dad, you have to be nice. - I am being nice.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- Thank you very much. - Thank you.- Have a nice day.
0:44:19 > 0:44:21Two pounds in the pot! Woo-hoo.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25- There you go, did you enjoy that? - I did, yeah.- Tell all your friends.
0:44:25 > 0:44:26Get them to come along.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31- It's very, very tasty. Compliments to the cook.- Thank you.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34Despite a few sales, the honeycomb doesn't prove
0:44:34 > 0:44:38to be the financial saviour that Phil hoped it might be.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41That's it, don't hold back. You can have a little sample first,
0:44:41 > 0:44:43just in case you don't like it. But I'm sure you will.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46We haven't lost a customer yet. There's one there! Go!
0:44:46 > 0:44:48Go, Genevieve, go! Stop!
0:44:48 > 0:44:50Definitely feel down in the dumps.
0:44:50 > 0:44:56I was actually looking forward to life improving
0:44:56 > 0:45:00and me not having to scrabble around trying to...
0:45:00 > 0:45:03make the best of it,
0:45:03 > 0:45:07which sounds really spoilt, doesn't it? It sounds really spoilt.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10But it's really, really depressing.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15Suzie has a lot on her plate,
0:45:15 > 0:45:18what with cooking and cleaning at the Golding house,
0:45:18 > 0:45:21and finding a way to feed her own family.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26But a little light relief is on its way.
0:45:27 > 0:45:32Ah. "Health and Beauty. Join the Women's League of Health and Beauty.
0:45:32 > 0:45:33"Movement is life."
0:45:33 > 0:45:37Founded in 1930, the Women's League of Health and Beauty
0:45:37 > 0:45:40was a radical, forward-thinking organisation
0:45:40 > 0:45:44aimed at encouraging women from all social classes
0:45:44 > 0:45:46to exercise side-by-side.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48NEWSREEL: 'Through three hours of showmanship,
0:45:48 > 0:45:51'they demonstrate what the women of Britain are doing
0:45:51 > 0:45:54'in pursuit of the supple muscle and the perfect figure.'
0:45:54 > 0:45:58The Fitness League, as it's known today, encouraged women
0:45:58 > 0:46:02to feel a sense of achievement and pride in themselves.
0:46:02 > 0:46:07For Suzie, Naomi and Adele, this is the first time in 30 years
0:46:07 > 0:46:10they're together on an equal footing.
0:46:10 > 0:46:13It's very nice to be together, isn't it? Almost classless.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16It's a change to be together. We don't see each other very often.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20I work for Naomi here and I never, ever, ever see Adele,
0:46:20 > 0:46:23so the class barriers are obviously breaking down a bit here,
0:46:23 > 0:46:25for us to come to exercise together.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29Over and bounce. Swing.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33Over and bounce.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38Welcome to the three new ladies. Lovely to see you.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41In the 1930s, ten minutes of exercise
0:46:41 > 0:46:45gave you poise, balance and worked the body,
0:46:45 > 0:46:49made you feel absolutely wonderful.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53So feet astride, hands on your hips, ready and...
0:46:53 > 0:46:55over and bounce.
0:46:55 > 0:46:59Over. Swing. Up.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01Drop and bounce.
0:47:03 > 0:47:08Feet closer. Lift, stretch, floor.
0:47:10 > 0:47:15And relax there. Feet together and uncurl and up you come.
0:47:15 > 0:47:19For somebody from my house, getting out and speaking to other women,
0:47:19 > 0:47:25normally, without any pretentiousness, is just fantastic.
0:47:25 > 0:47:30I don't feel guilty at all that I'm out having some leisure, some R&R.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34I think it's something that, actually, I need to do
0:47:34 > 0:47:40to keep me sane in a world where drudgery is the order of the day.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44I think that exercise is a move forward for women
0:47:44 > 0:47:48and I feel absolutely that I should be taking part in that.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55Later that evening, and more social taboos are tumbling down.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57BELL RINGS
0:47:59 > 0:48:03- Hello! Come in, come in.- Thank you, Mr Taylor. After you, darling.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07- Hello, how are you? Are you well? - Very well, thank you. And you?
0:48:07 > 0:48:11I've met Naomi now. Hey, we've done straight-leg raises together,
0:48:11 > 0:48:12so we're best of mates.
0:48:12 > 0:48:15What a lovely house. Ever considered selling?
0:48:15 > 0:48:18- Yeah! Would you be interested? - I'm your man, definitely.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22For the Goldings, it's another step up the social ladder.
0:48:22 > 0:48:27- ALL: Cheers. - Cheers, thank you so much.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30The Meadows, however, are uninvited.
0:48:31 > 0:48:35Stuck at the bottom of the pile, with no hope of social betterment.
0:48:42 > 0:48:47It's going downhill. The car's been towed away, the staff have left.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50- You sold the car? - The car's had to be sold, yeah.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53They've made this rule where you can't actually drink and drive!
0:48:53 > 0:48:54Have they really?
0:48:54 > 0:48:57Yeah, so I thought to myself, "I can't possibly drive, then."
0:48:57 > 0:49:01The Meadows family finances are in dire straits.
0:49:01 > 0:49:06We have not a huge amount of food. We're eating leftovers tonight.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10We're just going to have to eat everything out.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14That's...we've got to make... the money that we have got,
0:49:14 > 0:49:16we've got to make last as long as possible,
0:49:16 > 0:49:19so all the good stuff's going to go.
0:49:33 > 0:49:37By morning, Phil Meadows, a man who's never asked for help
0:49:37 > 0:49:41to feed his family, has come to a difficult decision.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45He and Suzie will apply for financial assistance from the state.
0:49:45 > 0:49:50Millions of poverty-stricken families were in the same boat,
0:49:50 > 0:49:54and further humiliated by having to prove they were destitute.
0:49:54 > 0:49:58Eligibility for financial help was based on a means test,
0:49:58 > 0:50:00carried out by a local assessor.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06They have to decide how much they're going to give me,
0:50:06 > 0:50:10and for them to decide that, Gen, they come round to the house
0:50:10 > 0:50:14and they see how much money they think we need,
0:50:14 > 0:50:18and they look at everything we've got and what we earn.
0:50:18 > 0:50:19Are we going to hide our food?
0:50:19 > 0:50:23We haven't got any. We've got a bit of old stale bread and a couple of eggs.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25We have nothing to worry about.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28They can't... Mind you, they'll probably find a few things.
0:50:32 > 0:50:36Means test man from the Public Assistance Committee,
0:50:36 > 0:50:38come to test your means!
0:50:43 > 0:50:46Thank you. Now downstairs.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56- What are you doing now? - Well, looking at this,
0:50:56 > 0:50:58you're not eligible for any benefits.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01What we'll need to do now is take the furniture out.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03We'll give you a good price on it.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05You can live off that for a while, then come back to us.
0:51:05 > 0:51:09How many of you? Four. I'll leave you with four chairs,
0:51:09 > 0:51:12but anything else of value will need to be sold.
0:51:12 > 0:51:16Families could sell items themselves and then call the assessor back in.
0:51:16 > 0:51:21But by letting the means test man take their belongings to sell on,
0:51:21 > 0:51:25many were able to receive help straightaway.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29I'll let you keep your table. Sideboard you don't need, your radio.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31Are you taking the ornaments as well?
0:51:31 > 0:51:34Yeah. Everything you don't need, basically.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36If you'd like to sign there, sir.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41Right, we'll get that sorted now.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46He's pretty horrible, isn't he?
0:51:54 > 0:51:56I felt quite humiliated
0:51:56 > 0:51:59and the fact also that it was in front of the family,
0:51:59 > 0:52:01I felt really useless.
0:52:01 > 0:52:03And I tell you what,
0:52:03 > 0:52:05I'm quite upset actually.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Anyway, but it isn't the same.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11There's nothing stopping you from saying,
0:52:11 > 0:52:15"Clear off, mate." But then you won't get your money out of the government.
0:52:25 > 0:52:30This feels very unfair, that people can do this to you.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33I think we're about done. Make sure I haven't missed nothing.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35Could take the lamp.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40Thank you.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50Well...
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- Basically, they've cleared our front parlour.- Yeah.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Oh.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59And now we're back to where we were...
0:52:59 > 0:53:01in 1910.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04For many working-class families, like the Meadows,
0:53:04 > 0:53:06it was back to square one,
0:53:06 > 0:53:09with the poverty trap snapping at their heels.
0:53:09 > 0:53:13But it's not just Albert Road that's having family problems.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18The Royal Family were in turmoil too.
0:53:18 > 0:53:23From Queen Victoria's idealised family unit four decades earlier,
0:53:23 > 0:53:26to a scandal that rocked the nation.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28King Edward VIII had fallen in love
0:53:28 > 0:53:32with divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson.
0:53:32 > 0:53:34'I have found it impossible
0:53:34 > 0:53:39'to carry the heavy burden of responsibility,
0:53:39 > 0:53:46'and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do,
0:53:46 > 0:53:53'without the help and support of the woman I love.'
0:53:53 > 0:53:56But after the abdication,
0:53:56 > 0:54:00the Royal Family gave a boost to the nation's spirits,
0:54:00 > 0:54:04with celebrations for the Coronation of the new king, George VI.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09Albert Road's street party is one of many
0:54:09 > 0:54:13that would have brought communities together across the country.
0:54:13 > 0:54:14Long live the King!
0:54:14 > 0:54:17That cake is so cool!
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Oh, no! Aargh!
0:54:19 > 0:54:21It's a wonderful community spirit, yes.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24This is how it used to be and could be.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27Let's hope it'll be like this again sometime.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30Roll up, roll up, who wants to throw a damp sponge...?
0:54:30 > 0:54:33- ALL: Me! Me! Me! - I say the word damp...!
0:54:34 > 0:54:37Hooray!
0:54:37 > 0:54:40Yeah, I'm really enjoying this cos I'm not the one in the stocks.
0:54:40 > 0:54:41CHEERING AND LAUGHING
0:54:41 > 0:54:45As their week draws to a close, it's time for the families
0:54:45 > 0:54:48to reflect on their different experiences.
0:54:48 > 0:54:52Susannah Reid and historian Juliet
0:54:52 > 0:54:55are catching up with the middle-class Goldings.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58We feel like a family in the 1930s.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02We've evolved to a working, communicating unit,
0:55:02 > 0:55:05and that's what has made this an enjoyable week.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11'Ian has been able to have his father's half hour.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14- 'He's been far less strict.' - The champion is Jack...!
0:55:14 > 0:55:18'Despite the fact that I've had the sort of, the tough mother love bit,
0:55:18 > 0:55:22'I could still be kind to them, but I just couldn't give them'
0:55:22 > 0:55:23a great deal of affection.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26But I think they've been OK with that.
0:55:31 > 0:55:35- Two, three! - CHEERING AND LAUGHING
0:55:35 > 0:55:39How have you emerged from the inter-war years, the Taylors?
0:55:39 > 0:55:43Not quite as well off as you were. How does that feel?
0:55:43 > 0:55:46When I look at what we've got to think about losing,
0:55:46 > 0:55:50we're looking at doctor's bills and education and food on the table.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54And then, actually, this is serious stuff,
0:55:54 > 0:55:57and I should feel guilty, the fact that we had to make
0:55:57 > 0:56:00some of the Meadows unemployed, but actually it was down to them or us.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04And even when we had Ian and Naomi round last night,
0:56:04 > 0:56:06and they drank our bottle of cherry brandy
0:56:06 > 0:56:08and told us their nice car was outside
0:56:08 > 0:56:12and they were having a cook cook their fried breakfast, I was thinking,
0:56:12 > 0:56:15"We ain't going to be able to afford another bottle of cherry brandy
0:56:15 > 0:56:18"and you've just polished it off!" So I think
0:56:18 > 0:56:21they're on the way up and we're coming down quite quickly.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24- Thank you very much. - Here's to the end of the '30s.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26Yeah, and roll on the '40s.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30No, just go away the '30s, they were bloody awful!
0:56:30 > 0:56:33The Meadows family, how do you feel that this era
0:56:33 > 0:56:37and especially being close to destitution at the end of it,
0:56:37 > 0:56:39has tested your family unit?
0:56:39 > 0:56:43It has tested our family unit, but it has shown us one thing,
0:56:43 > 0:56:45that we are strong as a family unit.
0:56:45 > 0:56:49Over the last few days, we've actually got the idea of...
0:56:49 > 0:56:53it's hopeless. You're in a hopeless situation,
0:56:53 > 0:56:56and no matter how hard you want to try and fix it,
0:56:56 > 0:56:57what do you do to do that?
0:56:57 > 0:57:01I feel that, as a woman, I've got much more hope in this period.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04What seems interesting is, historically,
0:57:04 > 0:57:09that the women in the family feel that this has been a move forward,
0:57:09 > 0:57:12whereas the man, the main breadwinner traditionally,
0:57:12 > 0:57:16feels that this has been the period of hardest knocks.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19Hardest knocks and the least amount of opportunity.
0:57:19 > 0:57:21I feel deflated by that, to tell you the truth.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24Yeah, I think men have been emasculated
0:57:24 > 0:57:25and women have been empowered.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34Mr Taylor, it's been a tough half a century for me!
0:57:34 > 0:57:37It certainly has. I guess I'm going in the stocks.
0:57:37 > 0:57:40You are definitely going in the stocks!
0:57:40 > 0:57:43This moment of reckoning was always coming.
0:57:43 > 0:57:47Meadows family, I've got a Taylor in the stocks. Let's get him, come on!
0:57:47 > 0:57:50CHEERING AND LAUGHING
0:57:51 > 0:57:54This is cos your wireless is bigger than mine!
0:57:54 > 0:57:55That's for the clay pigeon shooting.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58CHEERING
0:57:59 > 0:58:04Next time, the families are rocked by the Second World War.
0:58:04 > 0:58:07For the first time, the children got really spooked.
0:58:07 > 0:58:09I don't want it to happen again.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11It brings them closer together...
0:58:11 > 0:58:14I'm not sleeping if it's like that all night.
0:58:14 > 0:58:15Oh!
0:58:15 > 0:58:18..but also tears them apart.
0:58:18 > 0:58:22I've got your conscription papers. You're going to war.
0:58:22 > 0:58:26Do our families have the Blitz spirit needed for the Home Front?
0:58:26 > 0:58:30I'm now thinking, "Go and bomb them bloody Germans, finish 'em off!"
0:58:31 > 0:58:33Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd