Lark Rise to Candleford: The Complete Collection

Flora Thompson's charming love letter to a vanished corner of rural England is brought to life in this heartwarming, critically acclaimed BBC adaptation, now available in a complete series collection. Set in the late 19th century, this rich, funny and emotional series follows the relationship of two contrasting communities: Lark Rise, a small hamlet gently holding onto the past, and Candleford, a neighboring market town bustling into the future. When young Laura Timmins leaves Lark Rise for a job at the Candleford post office, she discovers an eye-opening, exciting new world. In the face of scandals and feuds, she must leave her childhood behind and forge her own path to womanhood.

Season 1
Flora Thompson's charming love letter to a vanished corner of rural England is brought to life in this warm-hearted adaptation. Set in the Oxfordshire countryside in the 1880s, this rich, funny and emotional series follows the relationship of two contrasting communities: Lark Rise, the small hamlet gently holding on to the past, and Candleford, the small market town bustling into the future. Seen through the eyes of young Laura, their inhabitants endure many upheavals and struggles as the inexorably change comes; their stories by turns poignant, spirited and uplifting. And Laura herself must face great change. Taking a job in Post Office in Candleford, run by the mercurial Dorcas, she turns her back on her childhood hamlet to make her way in the world. With her loyalties divided, she must choose her own path to womanhood...

Season 2
Picture-perfect guest appearances by Dawn French (The Vicar of Dibley), Claudia Blakley (State of Play) and Brendan Coyle (Prime Suspect) complement the acclaimed performances of young star Olivia Hallinan (Torchwood) and Julia Sawalha (Cranford) in the second season of this rich, funny and heartwarming series. Someone's upsetting the residents of charming 1880s Oxfordshire: a dashing-and overbearing-Londoner, James Dowland (Jason Merrells, A Touch of Frost), who wishes to bring prosperity to Candleford.

Season 3
Enjoy more heartwarming adventures in this delightful hit series about village life in 1880s Oxfordshire. Emma and Laura's lives may never be the same after a handsome young journalist brings surprising news to Lark Rise. What secrets are the Pratt sisters keeping from each other? As seen on Masterpiece, starring Julia Sawalha, Olivia Hallinan, Brendan Coyle and Claudia Blakley.

Season 4
The residents of Lark Rise and Candleford return in a new series of this warm-hearted and award-winning adaptation of Flora Thompson's novels. Set at the end of the 19th century, this visually stunning drama sees newcomer Gabriel Cochrane arrive in Candleford with a vendetta against the evil banker Steerforth, who he feels has tricked him into losing his business. Elsewhere, Dorcas makes an ill-judged intervention, Minnie becomes worried that Alfie might fall out of love with her and Emma is left in a precarious financial position...

Season 1
Episode 1 - Laura Timmins says goodbye to her friends and family in Lark Rise to start her first job at the Post Office in the nearby town of Candleford. Postmistress Dorcas Lane gives her a warm welcome, but her loyalties are soon divided over a dispute at Lark Rise about payment for the delivery of telegrams.

Episode 2 - When her husband escapes from prison, Postmistress Mrs Macey fears the damage to her reputation will force her to leave Candleford. Caroline is summoned to Court for failing to pay her debts to the brewery. Laura strikes up a friendship with Philip, a gamekeeper from the manor.

Episode 3 - Dorcas intercedes when a new maid drives a wedge bigger than her irresistible sponge cake between Old Amos and his son. Robert refuses to let his children sing a song in praise of the Tories at the local Church concert.

Episode 4 - Ruby and Pearl Pratt face scandal when their estranged father returns to town. It's bad news for the other Candleford residents too as the wily old rascal is working his scams - aided by Caroline, who is being pursued by a bailiff. Meanwhile, Laura ignores her father while out with Philip.

Episode 5 - The arrival of a new Post Office inspector causes problems for Dorcas. Robert has been carving a decorative angel on the schoolhouse for which he is not getting paid. Laura loses an important parcel.

Episode 6 - A homeless family take advantage of Robert's charity, leaving their little daughter behind. Sir Timothy is uneasy when Lady Adelaide wants to adopt her. Dorcas regrets playing Cupid between Thomas and Miss Ellison.

Episode 7 - The residents rally around Susan Braby
when they realise her husband Sam has hit her - until she has him arrested. Matthew is ccommissioned to make new gates for the manor. Lady Adelaide is concerned that Sir Timothy is spending too much time with Dorcas. Laura brings Phillip home for tea.

Episode 8 - A violent storm hits Lark Rise and Candleford. The arrival of a radical new teacher causes divisions in the two communities. Dorcas has a new admirer. Alf tries to impress Laura, who seems increasingly smitten with Philip.

Episode 9 - Queenie finds a beautiful embroidered panel on a grave. Dorcas and Sir Timothy try to solve the mystery of who created it. Alf's poaching leads him and Edmund into danger. Fresh out of prison, Caroline returns to Lark Rise determined to mend her ways.

Episode 10 - Dorcas decides to sell up and leave Candleford. Philip's possessiveness causes Laura increasing concern. And there are surprises, joy and sorrow when everyone gathers at the Post Office for Zillah's birthday party.

Season 2
Episode 1
The series opens with a wonderfully captivating seasonal tale that unites the past and the present.
When Dorcas and Emma each want to give Laura the same gift for Christmas, an old family wound is opened up and Laura finds herself torn between two mothers.
As the inhabitants of Lark Rise and Candleford prepare for the festivities, loyalties are tested and, amid the gift-giving and carol singing, tensions are building.
However, the arrival of a ragged, bare-footed young woman, who goes by the name of Cinderella Doe (Sheridan Smith - Two Pints Of Lager, Love Soup, Jonathan Creek: The Grinning Man), introduces a note of Christmas mystery.

Episode 2
A handsome stranger rides into Candleford with a look of determination about him. Along his way, he chances upon young Edmund Timmins and presents him with a silver threepence before heading on his way. His name is James Dowland.
Dowland arrives in Candleford and catches the eye of several of the residents. However, he only has eyes for Dorcas Lane. For the Pratt sisters, he is their new hero who will put Candleford on the map with the opening of a new hotel.
Not everyone is so keen on the arrival of James Dowland. Robert Timmins is suspicious of his motives and is less-than-accepting of his financial help when he offers to take the Lark Rise tenants under his wing. Emma Timmins and the other Lark Rise tenants are, however, more-than-happy to welcome James into their homes.
The cantankerous landlad,y Mrs Herring (Maggie Steed - Jam & Jerusalem, Pie in the Sky, Born and Bred), continues to add to the strains of the Lark Rise residents with her refusal to upkeep their homes. Dorcas and James take it upon themselves to help, and come up with a plan to show Mrs Herring the error of her ways.
Meanwhile, Dorcas's patience is tried with the arrival of a new maid, Minnie, who can do no right. She means well, but with her troubled past struggles to contain her excitement, testing Dorcas and those around her to the end.

Episode 3
Battling with her emotions for new arrival James Dowland, Dorcas sets out to defeat the dashing property developer in the parish council elections. In her quest to win, she finds herself caught up in a battle to prove there is a place for a woman in politics.
Meanwhile, over in Lark Rise, the daily grind of making ends meet proves too much for Robert and Emma Timmins, as they become torn between the past and the future. As Candleford continues to embrace the growth and prosperity that James Dowland pledges, Robert's reluctance to change grows stronger.
Lily Spicer (Lorraine Ashbourne - True Dare Kiss, Jane Eyre) also has her own issues with change. Used to living her life on the road, the idea of a little home comfort is overwhelming. Longing to settle down, but hesitant to compromise her true self, Lily must decide what it is that makes her a real woman.
Young romance continues to puzzle Alf Arless, as he again questions his feelings for Laura. With the help of Twister, they set out to win her over. But the introduction of Alf's new love interest is not quite what it seems.

Episode 4
The residents of Lark Rise and Candleford are experiencing more and more changes, and the old ways are receding faster than some like. When an accident happens on the path joining Lark Rise with Candleford, Dorcas Lane and James Dowland clash once again.
The death of the Reverend Ellison unites the communities of Lark Rise and Candleford, but amongst the sadness Miss Ellison finds herself confronted with her brother George and a past she would really rather forget. Divided between her Christian values and her obligations to her late father, she struggles to know whether to follow her heart or her head.
The road is falling apart and needs to be repaired. George (Oliver Dimsdale - Nostradamus, He Knew He Was Right, Harley Street) soon becomes the talk of the town when he steps in to help the residents of Lark Rise. James Dowland, again wanting to utilise his business, is aggravated by George's determination to ‘finish the job' without his help.
Meanwhile, overwhelmed with grief, Miss Ellison is oblivious to Thomas Brown's affection for her and his desire for her hand in marriage. Dorcas and Emma do all they can to bring them together, but Miss Ellison must first learn how to forgive if she is to learn how to love.

Episode 5
Time rests heavy on the residents of Lark Rise and Candleford as baby Annie stirs up emotions of days gone by and loves yet to be found.
With Emma Timmins feeling the strain of feeding and clothing her family, Dorcas Lane offers to lend a helping hand - unaware of the consequences that her generosity will bring. The feelings baby Annie inflames for both Dorcas and Ruby Pratt become too much to bear. But, with the Timmins house empty, Robert and Emma embrace their new-found freedom.
Whilst the post office welcomes baby Annie, Thomas struggles to cope with the feelings which her presence brings. He must learn to accept his past and move on, if he and Miss Ellison are to have the future they so desperately long for.
James Dowland, meanwhile, is keen to continue the progress of modernising Candleford and hires the help of the young and self-assured Fisher Bloom (Matthew McNulty - Honest, Control, The Mark of Cain). Laura is quickly taken with his arrival, but feels uncomfortable and unable to let her true emotions show.
James and Dorcas also do their best to avoid the feelings that they so obviously share for one other. There's another dinner invitation, but this time things are different - business is not on the menu.

Episode 6
When Dorcas is suddenly taken ill, Laura finds herself with more than one problem to solve. Afraid to admit that even she has limitations, Laura decides that she will not fail Dorcas. However, she soon realises that she must accept her own weaknesses if she is to succeed.
With both Lark Rise and Candleford rallying around to show their support for Laura's new role in the Post Office, she soon feels the pressure mounting and is troubled when anonymous letters begin to arrive. When Minnie sees the delivery of one of the packages, her past catches up with her once again, and she is left fearful of her haunting memories.
When James Dowland hears of Dorcas's illness, he is deeply troubled and makes it his business to see that she is cared for properly. The relationship between the two of them continues to flourish as they finally begin to feel at ease with one another.
Meanwhile, Laura's feelings for Fisher Bloom (Matthew McNulty) continue to flourish. Dorcas feels the need to protect Laura, and the hostility between Fisher and Dorcas begins to cloud the air. True love never runs smoothly and Laura and Fisher must decide whether to let fate determine their future.

Episode 7
There's joy for Robert and Emma Timmins as Robert completes his work on the stone panels for the town clock (funded by James Dowland), and pay day brings its rewards for him and his family. But sadness comes hot on the heals of joy as Robert discovers that he has lost his precious tools and, by the same token, the means to feeding his family.
On hearing of Robert's plight, Dorcas Lane organises a collection amongst the kindly folk of Candleford. Money is raised and a new set of tools is purchased, but will Robert's pride allow him to accept them?
Meanwhile, there is double trouble for Laura Timmins. Not only is she worried about her family, there is a possibility that Fisher Bloom may be going away.
While Laura is racking her brains to find a way to stop the love of her life leaving Candleford, Dorcas continues to find stability in her relationship with James Dowland.

Episode 8
Relationships are tested in Lark Rise and Candleford when relatives and friends arrive and, in some cases, all are not what they appear to be. Some have their hearts broken and others have theirs mended. But it is the true bond of the community that holds everyone together.
The hot summer brings a surprise visitor to Candleford in the form of Celestia Brice Coulson (Samantha Bond - Miss Moneypenny in the Pierce Brosnan James Bond films). Mrs Brice Coulson begins her stay at The Golden Lion Hotel and soon becomes acquainted with Dorcas Lane.
However, Dorcas has other things on her mind when she begins ‘walking out' with James Dowland, causing heads to turn and tongues in the town to wag.
Thomas Brown is working hard to hold two jobs, postman and hotel clerk. He is anxious that his betrothed, Miss Ellison, does not find out, in case she thinks he is financially insecure.
Over in Lark Rise, Emma's father, Old Edmund (Paul Freeman - Monarch of the Glen, Raiders of the Lost Ark), arrives and the Timmins family begins celebrations for his birthday. Problems arise when Emma asks her father to live with them permanently. Robert is not entirely keen on the idea and neither is Twister, as he thinks that Queenie may still harbour some affection for Old Edmund.

Episode 9
An attractive local milk maid, Nan (Rebecca Night - Fanny Hill, Wuthering Heights), takes a fancy to Alf. But this budding young love looks like it might be thwarted by an animosity between Lark Rise and Fordlow that has been simmering for three generations.
Things are made worse when Queenie's bees are stolen and Twister is convinced it is Nan's family and neighbours who committed such an unforgivable crime.
In Candleford, James Dowland is making every effort to mend his relationship with Dorcas. Can he win back her affections, or does she know too much of his past to ever let him get close to her?
His problems with Dorcas results in him taking his eye off the ball and the hotel runs less smoothly. It could mean that Thomas Brown will lose his job at the hotel, which in turn could put a cloud on his relationship with Miss Ellison. Will the date be set for their wedding, or will there be more disappointment for her?

Episode 10
As the Harvest Show comes around, Constable Patterson (Jason Watkins - Little Dorrit, Funland, Conviction) is used to his wife (Michelle Fairley - The Others, Best, Births Marriages and Deaths) taking to her bed with a mysterious illness. But this year is different: she gives him permission to seek a new wife. The Constable has no intention of doing any such thing - until a Pratt Sister in distress sets his heart soaring.
Will this new-found love come between the sisters who run Candleford's clothing store?
And for the first time in years, Cabbage Patterson has a rival from Lark Rise taking him on in the harvest show.

Episode 11
A sudden storm reveals a secret romance, but also makes the address on a letter indecipherable. When Dorcas pursues the identity of the recipient of the letter, she reveals another secret. A child - secret even from his own father.
At the same time Dorcas hears a ghostly cry around the Post Office and she is determined to find out why it is haunting her.
Laura is tormented with the knowledge of a betrayal - but when she decides to meddle in the love life of her dear friend Alf, she makes things worse than ever.
When Emma discovers she is once again pregnant, she finds it impossible to tell her husband.
Miss Ellison, meanwhile, asks Robert to give her away at her wedding - which brings objection, not just from Thomas Brown, but from others in the hamlet.

Episode 12
James Dowland is confined to his hospital bed when his son arrives in Candleford. Dorcas welcomes the child into the Post Office, encouraging her staff to do everything they can to make the boy feel at home in Candleford. But this turns out to cause a great deal of turmoil when James is at last released from hospital to be reunited with his son.
Thomas Brown is preparing for his imminent wedding when a few words from the Common Book of Prayer cause him to spin in a torrent of uncertainty and anxiety. Meanwhile, Miss Ellison develops a strange disease of the skin which seems to be the result of her own anxieties. Will she go up the aisle with a face full of boils, or will she be healed in time?

Season 3
Episode 1 - A handsome young journalist, Daniel Parish, arrives in Lark Rise with exciting news for the Timmins family: Emma is set to inherit a fortune, enough to move the family to a big house in Candleford. Will the Timmins turn their backs on Lark Rise forever?
Daniel plans to write their rags to riches story for his newspaper, but Dorcas is suspicious of his motives, and when the article is published, it sends shockwaves through the community. Can the growing attachment between Laura and Daniel survive the crisis?

Episode 2 - The Bishop is coming to consecrate the church font and Thomas cannot contain his excitement. But when a Lark Rise tree starts to 'bleed', the hamlet becomes rife with talk of witchcraft. Thomas is horrified - this could ruin the Bishop's visit!
The 'witch tree' seems to cast a spell over the whole community - everyone is behaving strangely. Even Dorcas loses her composure and makes a blunder with terrible consequences for Pearl and Ruby. Laura, too, is thrown off balance when Daniel returns to try and win back her affections - but first he has to get around an angry Robert and Emma.
Thomas is determined to restore order. But how will he undo the tree's awful curse?

Episode 3 - Alf throws a party to celebrate moving into a cottage of his own. He entertains his guests with a new song, and its haunting words have a profound effect on all of them.
Edmund rebels against his parents; Thomas and Margaret have their first marital tiff; and Dorcas's plans to prepare Minnie for marriage and motherhood backfire terribly.
How will harmony be restored? And what are the contents of the strange and wonderful parcel that arrives at the post office, which Minnie wants to keep a secret?

Episode 4 - It's harvest time - the most important time of the year in Lark Rise, when everyone helps to bring in the wheat that will feed them through winter. So when an epidemic hits, it couldn't come at a worse time - with so many sick, how will they gather the wheat and prevent a winter of starvation? For Lark Rise, help comes from an unlikely source. But just when it looks as though their problems are solved, they discover the worst is yet to come.

Episode 5 - Everyone is talking about the mysterious recluse, Mr Reppington, who's been hiding at the Golden Lion Hotel for months. Why is he here, and why is he handing out money to local widows?
Dorcas is fascinated by his lonely existence and is determined to entice him back into the world. Can she succeed, and will she discover his true identity and the dark secret which has brought him to Candleford?

Episode 6 - Daniel has opened a newspaper in Candleford and is on the look out for a big story. So when old Peg Leg, a Crimean war veteran, arrives for his annual visit to the Timmins', and Daniel learns he has received no war pension, he starts a newspaper campaign against this injustice.
But just as Peg Leg's plight looks set to become a national cause celebre, Emma learns that he is not all he seems, a discovery that threatens to break hearts and destroy Daniel's new venture.

Episode 7 - Costume drama. The locals are rehearsing for their annual production of St George and the Dragon when they hear rumours that Sir Timothy has returned. They are thrilled at the prospect of performing it for the squire himself, but with the play fast approaching and no sign of Sir Timothy, Dorcas decides to pay him a visit. She finds only Lady Adelaide. As the two women come face to face they are forced to confront their shared history, learning more about each other than they could have imagined.

Episode 8 - Pearl is in a state of panic. She has received a dressmaking commission which could save her ailing business, but without Ruby, there is no way she can do the work in time. So when Enid, a talented seamstress, arrives in Candleford looking for a job, it seems Pearl's prayers have been answered.
Pearl and Enid form an instant bond, based on mutual admiration and respect. But when Pearl discovers the seamstress is not who says she is, she is forced to choose between their friendship and her deepest prejudices.

Episode 9 - When the Lark Rise school loses its teacher, Emma steps in and discovers a talent she never knew she had. But Margaret also covets the role of schoolteacher, and the two women become rivals for the job.
Over in Candleford, Thomas and Dorcas are at odds. The postman is agitating for better working conditions, and Dorcas isn't taking it well. But when they each learn of the deeper reasons behind their stubbornness, will they be able to put their own needs aside for the sake of their community?

Episode 10 - When the local Lark Rise gossip Mrs Mullins discovers her daughter Emily is pregnant, she leaps to the conclusion that Daniel is the father. Everyone, including Laura, rallies round to defend him. But when Daniel's behaviour starts to arouse suspicion, and people begin to doubt him, Dorcas is determined to uncover the truth. Can Laura and Daniel's relationship survive the crisis?

Episode 11 - Mischief Night is approaching and the folks of Lark Rise and Candleford are excitedly planning tricks to play on their neighbours. But Laura is in no mood for silly pranks - Fisher Bloom has returned, intent on winning her back, and it has thrown her feelings for Daniel into turmoil.
Pearl and Edmund are determined to protect Daniel and Laura from heartbreak, but will their mischievous tricks to make Fisher leave succeed, and how will Daniel respond to a rival for Laura's affections?

Episode 12 - When the postmaster at Inglestone, with an old score to settle, tries to force Dorcas into selling up, she is faced with the heartbreaking prospect of losing her home and denying Sydney his dream of running the post office one day. But can Dorcas, with the help and determination of her staff and her friends, find a way to save the post office and their jobs? And with Laura torn between the love of two men, Daniel and Fisher, who will she choose?

Season 4
Currently Unavailable

Directed by Patrick Lau, Susan Tully, Moira Armstrong, David Tucker, Paul Seed, David Innes Edwards
Written by Bill Gallagher, Flora Thompson
Produced by Annie Tricklebank, Sarah Brown, Bill Gallagher
Original Music by Julian Nott
Cinematography by Mark Partridge
Film Editing by Paul Brown
Costume Design by Pam Downe