The December Rose(1986)

The December Rose is a BBC children's drama that follows young chimney sweep Absalom "Barnacle" Brown as he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy among Victorian London's elite. Hunted by the menacing Inspector Creaker and his gang, Barnacle flees to a Thames barge called The Lady, where he finds refuge with skipper Tom Gosling and befriends the spirited Mrs McDipper and her daughter Miranda. When a mysterious foreign vessel named The December Rose arrives carrying a sinister secret, Barnacle and his newfound allies must stand together against mounting danger. Adapted from Leon Garfield's novel, this six-episode series captures the atmosphere of Victorian adventure with Dickensian characters and atmospheric filming across Norfolk, Gloucester, Leeds and Hull. A gripping tale of courage and friendship set against the backdrop of 1980s British children's television.