Christmas Candle, The

"There's a story that has been passed down for centuries, from father to son. Legend has it, a certain man came to live in the village of Gladbury." The shop front is a studio set at the Mountain View Media Village studios in Lezayre on the Isle of Man, which mimics the one built on The Green in Biddestone, Wiltshire.

"He was a good-hearted man, devoted to his family and his craft. The candle maker brought light to the entire village. But he longed to give them more." Reflected in the windows is not what stands opposite the set at Biddestone.

After an Angel blessed a single candle, the heavenly gift was given to the ones who needed it most, with the simple instruction "light this and pray" and orphaned Children who hoped for an answered prayer received a miracle when they are taken in by a wealthy Lady. Facing Stanway House on Stanton Road at Stanway in Gloucestershire.

"As the tale is told, every twenty-five years, the Angel visits the Haddington's chandlery, and every time a prayer is answered." The courtyard at Stanway House with the tower of St. Peter’s church to the top left.

"But even the greatest stories must come to an end. Much has changed in two hundred years. In a world illuminated by modern marvels, who needs the light of a simple candle?" In London, David Richmond (Hans Matheson) and Abner (Paul Leonard) dole out soup to the needy.

At the London Lamp & Electric Company, Miss Foster (Rachael Swift) tells Ruth Goodchild (Victoria Bewick) that her services are no longer needed after she falls pregnant by the owner.

David walks over to Ruth when she begins to weep.

As the young woman gathers her belongings, David tells her that he wants to help before taking her to a hostel.

Accepting the position of pastor offered by Lady Camdon, on the way to St. Mark's at Gladbury David tells the Carriage Driver to stop when he sees Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks) struggling to get her horse to move.

On the Friday before Advent, the Reverend Richmond arrives in Gladbury. Stanton Road in Stanway, Gloucestershire.

David is taken in by Herbert and Eleanor Hopewell. To the right stands the Old Vicarage on Stanton Road at Stanway.

As a disappointed Congregation leave St. Mark's church, Lady Camdon (Barbara Flynn) comments on the content of David's first sermon. The entrance to St. Peter's church at Stanway.

Following pressure from the parishioners for him to use his predecessors sermons that mention the Christmas candle, David pays a visit to Lady Camdon. The courtyard at Stanway House.

Miss Barstow pick up a box that falls from her cart as she arrives home with a Christmas tree and decorations. Facing Elm Lodge on The Green, Biddestone.

A sunny shot of the neat hedge along the front wall. (PW)

Helping to pick up the spilt decorations, the Reverend looks around the village green after telling Emily that he appears he has little to offer. To the left across The Green stands the White Horse public house while Elm Cottage and the village pond can be seen on the right.

The inclusion of the strolling couple was entirely intended. (PW)

A box of electric lights is unloaded that David spots were manufactured by the London Lamp & Electric Company, that Emily explains is owned by Thomas Haddington, the son of the village chandler. The Green at the corner of Church Road in Biddestone.

The property's name revealed. (PW)

At his next sermon David explains that the God that came to us one starry night in Bethlehem is miracle enough without a Christmas candle and the Congregation again leave the church disheartened. St. Peter's church on Stanton Road, Stanway.

Morning dawns on the day after Edward loses the Christmas candle following the Angel's visit to the chandlery. The Green, Biddestone with Elm Cottage in the right background.

The leaves are late falling this year. (PW)

Deciding to give everyone a Christmas candle, Edward Haddington (Sylvester McCoy) and his wife Bea (Lesley Manville) visit Charlie Barstow (Jude Wright). The shop is a set constructed in front of a garage at the side of Elm Lodge on Church Road in Biddestone.

Without the set dressing. (PW)

After reading the Villagers' requests for the Christmas candle, David calls on Mr. Finch (Edward Gower) and offers his services to the ever growing family.

Reverend Richmond makes his way to see Widow Leonard. The Close in Biddestone, with The Green through the gateway.

With thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Stafford for permission to access their property. (PW)

The Close, Biddestone with properties on The Green in the background.

Taken with acknowledgement to Mr. and Mrs. Stafford. (PW)

David knocks at the door that is opened by Mrs. Leonard, who he discovers is in need of a knitting companion. The Close in Biddestone, Wiltshire,

With thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Stafford. (PW)

The Haddingtons call on Phineas Barber (Morgan Jones) and his Family.

Phineas introduces his blind father Oliver Barber (Tim Barlow) to whom a candle is given.

Bea tells Widow Leonard that her request has been heard. The Close in Biddestone.

A very similar view from the doorway. With thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Stafford for permission to access their property. (PW)

Following the Reverend's visit, Bea Haddington calls on Mrs. Chumley and her spinster daughter Agnes. Gable Cottage on The Green, Biddestone.

A horseless carriage obstructs the view. (PW)

After lighting the second candle of Advent at the service during which he asks "does your neighbour need a miracle", David, Hardy Collins (Liam Evans-Ford) and other Villagers help to repair Mrs. Chumley's roof. The Green in Biddestone with Gable Cottage to the left and Hawthorn Cottage on the right.

The same pair of houses. (PW)

Charlie looks through the shop window as David comes into view, returning Mrs. Bickerton's lost goat to her. Looking out onto the junction of Church Road, Cuttle Lane and The Green at Biddestone.

The same junction with signage replaced. (PW)

Mrs. Bickerton opens the door to see David and her "prodigal" goat. Looking towards Stanton Road in Stanway, Gloucestershire with Starky's Cottage to the left and the tower of St. Peter's church in the distance.

Holding her colicky Baby, Mrs. Bickerton (Karen Cogan) points to where Neighbours are rebuilding the wall that fell down after her husband left her. The unnamed lane runs from Stanton Road in Stanway.

Having heard the previous Sunday's sermon, the Neighbours happily continue their work. The unnamed lane leading from Stanton Road with St. Peter's church in the right distance.

To help him move around the farm easier, Oliver Barber follows a yarn to where his family and the Reverend are waiting.

The third candle of Advent is lit on the day that David asks Mrs. Hopewell if his friend Ruth Goodchild can come and stay with them. St. Peter’s church at Stanway in Gloucestershire.

Following the installation of electric lighting in the church, David returns a delivery of candles to Mr. Haddington. The chandlery set on The Green in Biddestone.

The reality, behind the set is the gents toilet block of the White Horse. (PW)

Standing over the grave of Herbert Hopewell who died in an accident involving the new lighting at the church, Reverend Richmond speaks with Lady Camdon "You asked me to fill your pulpit and instead I emptied your church." St. Peter’s church at Stanway.

After explaining to David how, twenty five years ago, the Reverend Pillington lit the Christmas candle before discovering a treasure in the walls of the vestry, Lady Camdon reveals that her great-great-great-grandmother, an orphan, received the first Christmas candle. Stanway House with St. Peter's church to the right.

Sounding the horn, Thomas Haddington (Sam Crane) arrives in Gladbury in a carriage that pulls itself! The Green at Biddestone.

The "carriage that pulls itself" certainly caught on! (PW)

Recognising their son through the steam, Edward shakes Thomas by hand. The Green, Biddestone in Wiltshire.

The view now. (PW)

Bea embraces her son before the three of them go inside the chandlery to hear that Thomas is now married. Facing the White Horse at Biddestone with the chandlery set on the right.

There were no Christmas Candles available when I visited. (PW)

Eleanor Hopewell (Susan Boyle) opens her door one day to find firewood. The Old Vicarage on Stanton Road in Stanway.

Looking across the road, Eleanor sees David sitting in the churchyard. Facing St. Peter's church from Stanton Road.

Having found the Christmas candle beneath a dresser, Edward Haddington calls on the Reverend to offer it to him. The Old Vicarage at Stanway.

On a stormy night, David leaves the house to look for Ruth who is on her way from London by carriage. The Old Vicarage on Stanton Road, Stanway.

A snowy Christmas day dawns after David rescues Ruth and her Child from the upturned carriage with help from Emily and the Christmas candle. St. Peter’s church on Stanton Road, Stanway.

David writes to Lady Camdon "Every minister aspires to leave his mark on a parish, but truth be told, Gladbury has left its mark on me." Facing Elm Lodge on The Green in Biddestone.

Without the snow. (PW)

"In spite of my best efforts, I witnessed many miracles this Advent season. None more remarkable than my own change of heart. If you will have me, I will be honoured to remain in Gladbury for many Christmases to come." The Green at Biddestone seen from outside The White Horse.

Doesn't look quite like the Christmas card scene from the screen capture. (PW)

After introducing someone special to Mr. and Mrs. Haddington. David catches up with Emily and the pair walk away to spend Christmas together. The Green, Biddestone in Wiltshire.

The litter bin revealed. (PW)