A BBC period drama hailed as the 'best ever made' is now available to stream for free on the UK platform U. Lark Rise to Candleford, which first aired in 2008, has been praised by viewers as superior to the acclaimed Downton Abbey.
The series is adapted from Flora Thompson’s semi-autobiographical trilogy about life in the English countryside, published between 1939 and 1943. Set in the Oxfordshire hamlet of Lark Rise and the neighbouring market town of Candleford, it follows the daily lives of farm workers, craftsmen and gentry through the eyes of a teenage girl, Laura Timmins (Olivia Hallinan).
The BBC synopsis describes the show as 'warm, funny, poignant, occasionally tragic but overall a celebration of the spirit of community.' The cast includes Julia Sawalha as post mistress Dorcas Lane, alongside Ben Miles, Claudia Blakley, Brendan Coyle, Dawn French, John Dagleish and Victoria Hamilton.
Fans have compared it favourably to Downton Abbey, with one viewer saying: 'When Downton Abbey first aired, I really hoped it would be as brilliant as Lark Rise to Candleford. Of course it was, but I still think it lacks something the latter has.' Another called it 'flawless' and a 'gem to watch'.
Speaking before the series aired, Julia Sawalha said: 'I hope audiences get a sense of contentment from the series. It's easy on the ear and on the eye. They can sit down with a box of chocolates and a cup of tea and be utterly entertained.'
