The Camomile Lawn, a period drama that became Channel 4's top-rated series upon its debut in March 1992, is now available to stream for free on the network's streaming service. Based on Mary Wesley's acclaimed second novel, the miniseries follows five cousins and their families in Cornwall as they navigate the onset of World War II.
Plot and Setting
Set in the summer of 1939, the story begins with an idyllic holiday at the family's aunt's large house, featuring a fragrant chamomile lawn stretching down to the Cornish cliffs. As war looms, the cousins experience emotional freedom, fear for the future, and infidelity. Nearly fifty years later, they reunite for a funeral and confront the profound effects the war had on their lives.
Cast and Production
The series stars Felicity Kendal as Helena Cuthbertson, Toby Stephens as Oliver Ansty, Jennifer Ehle as Calypso, and Tara Fitzgerald as Polly. Mary Wesley began her writing career at age 70, publishing her first novel, Jumping the Queue, in 1983. She wrote The Camomile Lawn after her second husband's death left her in financial ruin, drawing on her own experiences, with the Cornish house mirroring Boskenna, where she spent time in her youth.
Reception and Legacy
The erotic themes of the novel shocked critics, who expressed surprise at Wesley's portrayal of sexual encounters given her age. She went on to write 10 bestsellers in the last 20 years of her life. The Camomile Lawn pulled in over 7 million viewers, making it Channel 4's top-rated drama, according to The Guardian, with only Humans and Russell T Davies's It's a Sin coming close. At a time when most households had only four terrestrial channels and no streaming services, the series attracted one-third of the total TV audience.
Critical Acclaim
Audiences and critics have continued to praise the series. One Rotten Tomatoes user wrote: "THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CLASSICAL SERIES EVER WITH THAT HUMOUR RADIATES THROUGHOUT." On IMDb, another added: "A perfect TV world to lose yourself in," while one described it as "Compulsively watchable and great fun." Another viewer stated: "Excellent, The Camomile Lawn is one of my favourite British TV adaptations."
The Camomile Lawn is available to watch on Channel 4's streaming service.
