The complete series 1 3 of the bbc historical drama series based on the autobiographical books by flora thompson set in the small market town of candleford in the 19th century the series stars julia sawalha olivia hallinan brendan coyle and dawn french when the birth of a new baby brings financial pressure to bear on the timmins household eldest daughter laura hallinan leaves the village of lark rise to begin work as an apprentice to her cousin dorcas lane sawalha the postmistress of