The series examined the lives of the lower middle-class Ashton family of the city of Liverpool and their experiences from 1938 and through the Second World War.

The programme opening titles show a scene of a beach with a child's sand castle, with Union Flag flying, slowly being approached by the encroaching tide, symbolic of a beleaguered Britain standing alone in 1940–1941.

The latter is a hard businessman who appoints his son Tony as the new manager of the workplace, rather than the experienced Edwin.

Margaret, the eldest Ashton daughter, marries John Porter, but she has a troubled relationship with her mother-in-law Celia.

All these events take place against the backdrop of the political conflict leading to the Second World War, which will have a major impact on their lives.