London, 1882. David Wildeblood arrives from Norfolk to work for journalist Henry Marchmont, who wants him to record the standard of living in the Somers Town slum, in order to show the stark realities of London poverty. As David learns the slang of the hawkers, scavengers and mobsmen, he is exposed to the everyday squalor and destitution. A dinner at his godfather's Kensington home introduces him to a cabal of prominent citizens plotting a radical solution to the problem of London's poor. When David realises that a conspiracy is afoot, he finds his life in danger...