A BBC period drama adapted from a trilogy of novels is being celebrated as a 'flawless masterpiece,' with viewers unable to get enough of it. The series, titled Lark Rise to Candleford, has drawn comparisons to Downton Abbey, but audiences find it 'much more realistic' and claim it 'captures more of the reality of what life was like' for ordinary people in England during that era.
What Is Lark Rise to Candleford?
Lark Rise to Candleford is a BBC period drama, currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer, adapted from Flora Thompson's trilogy of semi-autobiographical novels published between 1939 and 1943. The books focus on everyday life in the English countryside. The series ran for four seasons, first broadcast in 2008, before being cancelled in 2011, with producers confirming it would not return for a fifth season.
Devoted fans were devastated by the announcement, with many launching online campaigns that gathered enormous numbers of signatures in a bid to see the show recommissioned. The cancellation also prompted complaints to the BBC, leading BBC One controller Danny Cohen to state: 'Lark Rise to Candleford has been a truly wonderful part of the BBC One schedule and we are incredibly grateful to writer Bill Gallagher and the team. But we feel the time is right to make room for new dramas which we hope will be taken to the nation's hearts in the same way.'
Setting and Characters
Set in the late 19th century, the story revolves around a small Oxfordshire hamlet called Lark Rise—based on Juniper Hill, where author Flora Thompson grew up—and its fictional, more prosperous neighbouring market town, Candleford, which draws on elements of Bicester, Banbury, Buckingham, and Brackley. The show charts the everyday lives of craftsmen, gentry, and farmworkers, offering an intimate portrayal of a warm community of friends, families, rivals, and neighbours.
The series unfolds through the eyes of a young girl, Laura Timmins, as she leaves Lark Rise for the well-heeled Candleford, where she starts a new chapter under the guidance of her mother's cousin, the fiercely independent Dorcas Lane. The series highlights the contrast between their lives and experiences as they support each other through life's highs and lows.
Cast and Production
Lark Rise to Candleford stars Julia Sawalha, Olivia Hallinan, Claudie Blakley, Brendan Coyle, Linda Bassett, Karl Johnson, Dawn French, and Mark Heap. A significant portion of the series was filmed in Box and Neston Park, near Corsham in Wiltshire, where the villages of Lark Rise and Candleford were built entirely from scratch.
Viewer Reactions
While the period drama remains relatively unknown among younger viewers, it has received tremendous acclaim. One IMDB user wrote: 'I think this is wonderful! I have not read the books and so do not know how true it is to them but as a drama in itself I think that it is brilliant! There are many story lines yet they all link into one, the acting is superb and hilarious, an extremely worthwhile period drama.'
Another fan commented: 'A glorious and charming production, may it ever continue. It is beautiful, glowing with a golden warmth, a lyrical love poem to the people and village life of England just over a century ago.'
One viewer, comparing it to Downton Abbey, said: 'Unlike Downton Abbey, which I adore, this period drama captures more of the reality of what life was like in a time of hard times for residents. Every character had a story to tell whether a happy one or a sad one. Lark Rise to Candleford has great substance and drama.'
Another review states: 'Flawless!! The BBC has long been known as the undisputed world leaders when producing period drama for TV. Lark Rise To Candleford is by far the very best they have ever produced.'
One fan shared: 'I am writing this on a wet and windy Sunday morning whilst watching Larkrise to Candleford for the umpteenth time. It is one of the best written and performed period dramas which lifts the soul and warms the heart.'
Lark Rise to Candleford is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
