Times are hard in South Devon and many of the farmers are facing bankruptcy. For Bob Barton a carpenter, this means very little work. With a wife and seven children to support times are desperate. On hearing of the massive amount of building work going on north of London, as London along with the railways expands, Bob suggests to his wife that the family should move to North London and take advantage of the high wages. Harriet, Bob's wife, refuses to go and they eventually agree that Bob should go alone and send money home each week. However three of their daughters are keen to go with him. Bob insists that he will only be gone for six or seven months, by which time things should have improved. Harriet makes it plain that she doubts if he will be back so quick. For if the girls find good jobs and prospective husbands, then they are not likely to want to return. In May 1872 Bob, together with his three daughters set out for London to embark on an adventure that will change all their lives forever.