Family who lived at Anty John's before Amanda Owen as new history uncovered

Amanda Owen will uncover more about Anthony Clarkson, his wife Mally and their children in the new Our Farm Next Door series.

Derek and Amanda <i>(Image: CHANNEL 4)</i>

(Image: CHANNEL 4)

Amanda Owen is set to uncover more about the family who lived at Anty John's generations before she began restoring the property.

The history of the remote Swaledale farmhouse has been an increasingly important part of Our Farm Next Door.

Now Wise Owl Films, the production company behind the programme, has revealed Amanda will delve further into the lives of Anthony Clarkson, his wife Mally and their children.

The company said she will uncover "the fascinating and moving history behind Anty John's".

Derek and Amanda (Image: CHANNEL 4)

Amanda will also reflect on "the parallels between their lives and those of the Owens".

The comparison is one of the most intriguing elements of the new series.

Amanda and Clive raised nine children amid the demanding routines of farming in Swaledale.

Families who lived at Anty John's in earlier generations would likewise have had to deal with isolation, severe weather and physically demanding work.

Their lives were separated by generations, but the landscape around them changed comparatively little.

The research will take place while the house itself undergoes another dramatic transformation.

Wise Owl Films said the building's plastered walls are finally dry.

That means floorboards can be installed, painting can start and furniture collected by Amanda can be moved into the rooms.

Historic influences will also continue to shape the house.

Amanda and the children will visit Beamish Museum for inspiration for a cupboard bed which the younger girls hope can be built into their new home.

The family must also tackle the major challenge of bringing a piped water supply across the moors.

The series is expected to end with another connection between the property's past and present.

After learning more about the people who once lived there, Amanda and her daughters will prepare to spend their own first night under the roof.

Our Farm Next Door returns to More4 on Monday, October 5.