A new town built on the winning of coal and the forging of iron and steel, shattering the peace of the countryside. The farming Turner family lose their land to the railway which is to service the colliery. Frank embraces the new opportunities offered, whilst his brother Richard sets off on his own course. Molly, their sister, finds that her new life amid the working families of the town bring friendships as well as heartaches. The founder of the new town; Sir Charles Martin, starts with the best of intentions, but runs out of money. He is then thrust into a web cast by the entrepreneur James H. Wright and cannot escape it. Especially once he has abandoned his long term sweetheart, Caroline Bellerby, for Wright's scheming daughter Elysia. Caroline's father also finds himself trapped by Wright's spell and her prospects become more and more uncertain. The new town; Martindale, endures an outbreak of cholera, whilst the colliery is nearly destroyed in a fire underground. There are many more characters and a complex plot to enjoy.