Fixing Petworth’s 1710 Boulle Clock & Servants’ Kitchens | Big Spring Clean | S1 E4

What really happens when Petworth House closes for winter? Step inside the servants’ world and a workshop of secrets the public rarely sees. From black leading a 17th century roasting range to revealing the story etched into copper pastry moulds, the conservation team tackle the grime of history with modern care. Horologist Jonathan Betts confronts a stubborn problem inside Petworth’s 1710 French Boulle clock and uses “appropriate force” to revive its strike. Volunteers polish a thousand-piece batterie de cuisine with surprising products, while historic recipes from Mrs Beeton spark a debate about abrasives. Beneath our feet, a hidden tunnel once used by staff now shelters hibernating bats, and an abandoned well hints at a donkey-powered past. Along the way, portraits of chefs, stewards and footmen bring the hierarchy of service vividly back to life. Discover how patience, precision and a little wax keep a great house alive. Watch the full episode for the fixes, the near-misses, and the moments we can’t show here. #PetworthHouse #NationalTrust #Conservation #Horology #HistoricKitchens #BoulleClock #BehindTheScenes