‘Sanditon’ recap: What happened in Episode 1?

ITV’s new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sanditon began in the UK tonight.

Based on the author’s unfinished final novel, the eight-part mini-series stars Rose Williams (Curfew), Theo James (Downton Abbey), Kris Marshall (Death in Paradise) and Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax).

Here’s a plot recap for the first episode, which aired at 9pm on Sunday 25th August 2019:

When a coach accident introduces Charlotte Heywood to Tom and Mary Parker, she quickly seizes the opportunity to throw herself into the adventure she has craved all her life by agreeing to return with them to the developing seaside resort of Sanditon.

However, young and naïve Charlotte soon has her father’s warnings ringing in her ears when she discovers that the inhabitants of the town behave in curious and unpredictable ways that she could never have imagined.

After meeting Tom Parker’s family – including his kind-hearted hypochondriac siblings Diana and Arthur – Charlotte feels she is quite entered into society, particularly when she visits the splendour of Sanditon House. However, Charlotte realises that the morals of Sanditon are far looser than she’s experienced before.

The indomitable Lady Denham – Sanditon’s wealthiest landowner – presides over the town and is the chief investor Tom Parker’s fledgling business enterprise.

Sir Edward and Esther Denham hatch a scheme to persuade their wealthy aunt Lady Denham to favour them in her will. But will all go to plan?

Tom Parker eagerly anticipates the arrival of his brother Sidney to Sanditon, hoping that his fashionable friends represent the start of a steady stream of new visitors for his growing seaside resort.

But to Tom’s shock, Sidney also brings a staggeringly wealthy mixed-race heiress called Miss Lambe to the town.

Jane Austen’s Sanditon book is available on Amazon.