Young Bridie O'Hara is torn away from her native Ireland by her father when he is forced to flee the wrath of the freedom fighters he has betrayed. Years later, violated by those who should protect her, and deceived by her lover, the dashing gypsy Seamus Finney, Bridie struggles to find her way in Victorian England. That is until Bridie meets Will Hadler, a kind, hard-working miner, whose love for her knows no bounds. He rescues Bridie from working the streets of Sheffield and offers her a chance of happiness. Together they set up home in Breckton, a small mining town nestled between Leeds and York. There Bridie meets and befriends Issy who works as a cook for the rich and powerful Harvey family. Issy, a strong young woman, triumphs over adversity, but Bridie, and Bridie's daughter Bridget, have a much greater struggle on their hands ...