The series opens with the arrival of Gabriel Cochrane, played by Richard Harrington, and sees the return of Dawn French's character, Caroline Arless, later in the run. Gabriel is the handsome and once-wealthy owner of a large iron foundry. But after the bankruptcy of his business and the death of his new wife, Gabriel finds himself both penniless and homeless. Moved by his plight, Dorcas offers him a job as a blacksmith, and a room above the forge. But both she and Gabriel know that the solution is only temporary. Gabriel is determined to regain his wealth and position and bring down the banker, Steerforth, who he believes acted illegally and unethically in repossessing his home and business.

Episode 2

When Daniel announces that his newspaper is launching a poetry competition, it sends the inhabitants of Lark Rise and Candleford into a frenzy of creative excitement, as the series based on the novels by Flora Thompson, and adapted by Bill Gallagher, continues. Laura has high hopes of taking home the trophy and begins writing feverishly; Pearl indulges in plagiarism after her own efforts are found wanting; and even Margaret embarks upon an epic poem based on her husband's postal rounds. Laura buys some second-hand poetry books for inspiration and discovers that they once belonged to Gabriel's late wife. She is shocked to find a letter inside from Liza to her lover, expressing regret at having married Gabriel. When Laura shows Dorcas the letter, she is tormented about what to do with it.

Episode 3

Thomas is euphoric when he is given the job of organising the church bazaar but his joy soon evaporates when the vicar falls ill and controversial and free-thinking curate Reverend Marley takes charge. Marley, though, is regarded as a kind and charitable figure by the Lark Risers. Only Emma seems uncomfortable in his presence. Years before, Robert Timmins banned him from their cottage, so she rebuffs the curate's offers of help while her husband is away. Meanwhile, Thomas is simmering with resentment towards Marley. When he comes across a snake in the undergrowth while out on his postal rounds, he sees it as a sign that the devil is indeed among them. The snake's presence causes great excitement. Emma is totally unnerved by the snake. Having initially been confident she could manage without Robert, she suddenly finds herself unable to face the world. She becomes anxious and fearful for herself and for her children.

Episode 4

The fair has come to town, and there's much cause for celebration as the series based on the novels by Flora Thompson, and adapted by Bill Gallagher, continues. Alf has been crowned champion in the shin-kicking contest, and Queenie has won a whole pig! Twister can't wait for the delicious meals to come, so when Queenie offers to share the pig with Lark Rise without telling him, and seems to treat the pig better than him, Twister begins to feel very hard done by. Alf is wallowing in the glow of his victory at the fair. But Minnie is tormented by her suspicion that he cheated, causing the pair to have their first real row. Can they put it behind them, or does this spell the end for their romance?

Episode 5

Daniel plans a rematch against a neighbouring cricket team who he believes cheated during its previous game. However, the Candleford side looks set for another defeat as most of the regular players are away and any potential replacements are novices - until Daniel's discovery of a talented batswoman prompts him to try to find a way round the rules. Meanwhile, Gabriel finds himself in a confrontation with Dorcas.

Episode 6

Caroline Arless is out of debtor's prison and back home in Lark Rise, as the series based on the novels by Flora Thompson, and adapted by Bill Gallagher, concludes. However, she doesn't get the warm welcome she's expecting. Queenie blames her for being absent when her young son died of measles and Alf is sceptical that Caroline has put her feckless ways behind her and that she is back to stay. Minnie, on the other hand, assumes that, with Caroline back to look after her children, it's only a matter of time before Alf comes to propose.

Cast

Richard Harrington plays Gabriel Cochrane, Julia Sawalha plays Dorcas Lane, Paul Ritter plays Mr Steerforth, Claudie Blakley plays Emma Timmins, Thomas Rhys Jones plays Edmund Timmins, Matilda Ziegler plays Pearl Pratt, Victoria Hamilton plays Ruby Pratt and Ben Aldridge plays Daniel Parish. The cast also includes Olivia Hallinan as Laura Timmins.

BBC’s Lark Rise to Candleford Episode Guide Series 4

Drama series about the lives of the residents of Lark Rise and their wealthier neighbours in Candleford

Starring Richard Harrington, Julia Sawalha, Paul Ritter, Claudie Blakley, Thomas Rhys Jones, Matilda Ziegler & Victoria Hamilton

Photograph of Julia Sawalha in character as Dorcas Lane for the BBC’s costume drama series Lark Rise to Candleford

Photograph of Julia Sawalha in character as Dorcas Lane from the BBC's costume drama Lark Rise to Candleford