Episodes
Episode 1
A Way of Life
June 12, 19731h0.0
Sam and his mother arrive in Skellerton and try to settle in with their relatives.
Episode 2
Poor Law
June 19, 19731h0.0
The Labour Exchange is looking for Sam’s mother. Sam is taken on a tour of the local pit by his grandfather.
Episode 3
Leaving Home
June 26, 19731h0.0
Sam is bullied at school. Sam’s mother starts a new relationship with Alan. Sam doesn’t like this and runs away.
Episode 4
For Ever and Ever and Ever and Ever
July 3, 19731h0.0
Sam is found.
Episode 5
A Day to Remember
July 11, 19731h0.0
Sam is taken on a day out to the seaside.
Episode 6
The Cost of Living
July 18, 19731h0.0
Sam’s mother and new partner set up a family home.
Episode 7
Out of the Blue
July 25, 19731h0.0
Sam’s family come under pressure from the disapproving locals.
Episode 8
United We Stand
July 31, 19731h0.0
Sam discovers a book written by his father. The pit workers are given notice.
Episode 9
The Beginning of Winter
August 7, 19731h0.0
Sam's mother falls pregnant. Sam’s father sends a letter asking for money to be sent to him so that he can come home from Canada.
Episode 10
Where the Heart Is
August 14, 19731h0.0
Dora passes away in hospital giving birth to a son, Leslie. Alan, devastated, decides to go south to look for work, leaving his mother to care for the baby. Sam’s uncle George goes with him.
Episode 11
Home From Home
August 21, 19731h0.0
Frank is worried about Sam’s education and his grandfather wants to send him to a charity boarding school. Alan and George are disillusioned in the south and George returns home.
Episode 12
No Going Back
August 28, 19731h0.0
Sam is at boarding school, hating it and longing to go home, but can’t, because of a diphtheria outbreak in Skellerton. After a fight at the school, he runs away and walks the fifty miles home.
Episode 13
Breadwinners
September 4, 19731h0.0
Sam’s uncle Toby sets up a garment factory in the old chapel, providing work for the women of Skellerton, leaving the men at home. Sam finally goes down the pit with his grandfather.