Jane Shaw and her brother Alfie know more than children should about the tougher side of life. After their father's tragic death, the Brownlow Hill Workhouse in the heart of Liverpool's slums is the only refuge their mam Ellen has. When Ellen also dies, Jane's opportunity to make good comes when she gets a job in the Empire Laundry and is given a home by her mother's old friend Ada Ellis, whose son Joe, Jane has been fond of since childhood. But Joe breaks her heart and as Alfie is drawn into criminal activity can Jane find happiness or will Alfie's plans threaten his sister's happiness?