A Horseman Riding By is a 13-part BBC television serial produced by Ken Riddington, and adapted by Arden Winch, Alexander Baron, and John Wiles from R.F. Delderfield's 1966-68 historical novel series of the same name. Having been invalided out of the Boer War, Paul Craddock buys Shallowford, a manor house and estate in Devon, with money from his late father's scrapyard business. He soon becomes a much-respected 'Squire' determined to treat all his tenant farmers fairly, unlike his predecessor.
WriterR.F. Delderfield
1902: Valley for Sale
Sep 24, 1978
Paul Craddock answers an advertisement and arrives in Devon, not realising he has made the most momentous journey of his life.
1902: The Party
Oct 1, 1978
Paul has achieved his aim - Shallowford House is his. Now he must learn his job of being squire. John Rudd is a help and so, in different ways, are Claire Derwent and Grace Lovell.
1903: An Outbreak of Romance
Oct 8, 1978
Paul has married Grace Lovell. Will Codsall also has marriageon his mind, but with a mother like Arabella he needs a lot of help.
1905: A Birth and a Death
Oct 15, 1978
When Grace returns from London there is tragedy in the valley and Paul has a difficult decision to make.
1905: The Storm
Oct 22, 1978
The relationship between Grace and Paul grows worse, particularly when Paul suggests Claire Derwent becomes nanny to their child.
1905: The Hollow Victory
Oct 29, 1978
With Grace gone, Claire becomes indispensable to Paul and when Smut Potter plays a dangerous game, Claire is there to help. Lloyd George speaks in the valley.
1914: The Last Hot Summer
Nov 5, 1978
Nine years have passed and Paul has been married to Claire for seven years.
1914: Call to Arms
Nov 12, 1978
The Great War hits the valley. Will Codsall is the first man to be called up. The war fever spreads quickly, taking everyone in its wake even John Rudd.
1915: Death of a Hero
Nov 19, 1978
Will Codsall, back on leave, causes a lot of trouble. Claire and Rose both have emotional decisions to make.
1916: The Profiteers
Nov 26, 1978
The valley has its first conscientious objector and most of the locals don't approve. Sydney Codsall, now a solicitor, visits Paul and tries to involve him in a dubious deal.
1917: The Bad Season
Dec 3, 1978
Paul has joined up. Shallowford is now a convalescent home and very crowded. John Rudd suggests that Claire should move out. Elinor Codsall has a German POW to help.
1918: The Service
Dec 10, 1978
Penultimate episode of the series. The Potter twins have two new admirers.
1919: The Old and the New
Dec 17, 1978
With Paul missing and the army having vacated Shallowford, Will Codsall sets out to buy the valley.
