12 Comments

I watched Lark Rise to Candleford a few summers ago and loved it. I own the book but have not read it yet. I think I will love it, too. Thank you for these beautiful pictures.

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It is a beautiful book and series. :) enjoy!

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Feb 6Liked by Julie Witmer

This was so lovely. I need to read the book - it sounds delightful. I lived in Cassington, just outside of Oxford for a few years and I loved every minute.

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Thank you Roxann! It’s such a beautiful county.

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Feb 6Liked by Julie Witmer

Julie, I really enjoyed this essay--I thought I was the only American fan of Flora Thompson's "Lark Rise to Candleford", and I haven't watched TV in years, so I didn't know that BBC had done a series based on her book and that it was so popular. My husband gave me Flora's book a few years back and I enjoyed it greatly. Reading it made me feel as if I had lived in that village during her time, it was so vivid and moving! I still have the paperback here somewhere, will look for the illustrated version you mentioned, and the BBC series. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

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Glad to find another Flora reader :) The nature writing is so well done, and I love how she helps us see how connected they were to their surroundings.

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Feb 6Liked by Julie Witmer

Like Susan, I watched the BBC series many years ago when it was available to buy on DVD’s. That’s dating me! I’ve since rewatched it twice as I agree it is delightful. They managed to capture her enchanting descriptions of nature as well as the different characters in a manner that stayed true to the original book. I can say that as I’ve now read it in a lovely edition published by Slightly Foxed. This post reminded me that Flora Thompson wrote from real life in a tiny village. Thank you for the fantastic photos. What a step back in time it must have been to visit there.

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I found Lark Rise when a friend tipped me off about the series mid-stream so we watched as the last few seasons came out. Then I read her book, and it was more of a favorite than ever. She writes so beautifully about the world around her. It was a very special afternoon when we stopped - just before arriving into Oxford proper.

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Feb 6Liked by Julie Witmer

I could tell that Julie, from the photos. You had stopped, taken it all in, enjoyed the atmosphere. What a gift she gave us with her descriptions of that world and especially nature. I think the BBC series captured that element of the novels particularly well - the young girl and how her walks and surroundings made her the person she was.

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Yes they did!

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My daughter and I watched the BBC production about 9 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. We recently started watching it again…it is delightful! The book is on my list for 2024. I also enjoyed this post of yours!! Thank you!

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Ooo… you are in for a treat! A wonderful book. I remember laughing a good deal about how much of Twister in the series was taken directly from life. :) Enjoy!

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