Princess Victoria Dock; 1851 home to Irish immigrants, unions, publicans, brothels and traders all making a living from the dock whilst charities try to save the fallen. Above all looms the figure of Mr Halton, master of the Dock.
The year is 1851, the year of the great exhibition where London shows off it's world power status. Irish Immigrant Aedan Kelly has arrived to seek his fortune in the bustling East London docks. Ready to greet him is his cousin Patrick to share in his tricks as a labourer for hire. A noted local charity entertains a journalist in the hope of securing more donors to continue their work with the poor. However discontent is afoot amongst some of the skilled workers and word has reached Mr Halton, master of the dock who will ruthlessly crush anyone who defies him.—Luke Smith