In this adaptation of Flora Thompson's memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood, Laura Timmins leaves the Oxfordshire hamlet of Lark Rise for a job in the market town of Candleford, where her cousin, the effervescent Dorcas Lane, serves as postmistress.
A journalist causes a commotion in Lark Rise when he announces that Emma Timmins is set to inherit a fortune - but Dorcas is suspicious of his motives.
Daniel returns to Candleford in a bid to win back Laura, but the locals are not in a forgiving mood.
A song Alf sings at a party has a profound effect on his guests. Edmund announces his intention to leave school and work on the land.
Dorcas is horrified when Sydney catches measles, and the disease rapidly spreads among the children of Lark Rise - jeopardising the hamlet's harvest.
Dorcas tries to befriend the enigmatic Mr Reppington, who has spent several months living at the Golden Lion Hotel - but he is unwilling to change his reclusive ways.
Daniel begins a campaign in the newspaper on behalf of a beggar who regularly visits the area. Laura is surprised by her reaction to a gift, and Thomas reads a self-help book.
On hearing of Sir Timothy's apparent return from London, Dorcas is shocked to learn only Lady Adelaide has made the journey, and Queenie tires of Twister's stubbornness.
Pearl is shocked to discover her new friend Enid has a controversial background and provocative political views.
Emma and Margaret compete for the teaching job at Lark Rise school, and Thomas starts a union when Dorcas fails to take seriously his complaints about his working conditions.
When the daughter of the local gossip falls pregnant, Daniel is accused of being the father. Laura is preoccupied after receiving a mysterious letter, and Minnie offends Alf.
Laura is in no mood to participate in Mischief Night when Fisher's return tests her commitment to Daniel.
Dorcas is blackmailed into selling the post office, and Daniel's role in the campaign to prevent her meeting the demand reminds Laura of why she loves him.
