Little Sir Nicholas (1990 TV series)

United Kingdom

The story

Little Sir Nicholas is a 1990 TV series directed by David Benedictus and starring Rachel Gurney, Bernice Stegers and Jonathan Norris. Little Sir Nicholas is a story set in the Victorian era about heritage, identity and family rivalries. The six-part series was based on a Cecilia Anne Jones novel. Filming took place at Cape Cornwall and Kitley House, which is close to Plymouth.

Plot

The story follows young Nicholas Tremaine, the heir to the wealthy Tremaine family estate. When Nicholas, along with his parents, Sir Walter and Lady Tremaine, are presumed lost at sea after their ship sinks in a storm, the family believes they have perished. However, unbeknownst to them, Nicholas survives the shipwreck and is washed ashore in a small fishing village in France, where he is taken in and raised by a kind French family.
Years later, back in England, the Tremaine estate is left without a clear heir. Nicholas's grandmother, Lady Tremaine, is determined to find a legitimate successor to preserve the family legacy. Meanwhile, Joanna Tremaine, the ambitious mother of Gerald—a boy who has been raised as the temporary heir—wants to secure the inheritance for her son. When Nicholas is eventually discovered alive and brought back to England, his return threatens Gerald’s position, sparking tension and conflict within the family. Lady Tremaine warmly welcomes Nicholas and seeks to restore his rightful place as "Little Sir Nicholas," but Joanna Tremaine schemes to undermine him, creating a dramatic struggle over the inheritance.

Cast

Rachel Gurney as Lady Tremaine
Bernice Stegers as Mrs. Tremaine (Joanna Tremaine)
Jonathan Norris as Gerald Tremaine
Louisa Milwood-Haigh as Margaret Tremaine
Christopher Villiers as William Randle
Jack Watson as Robinson
David Rickard as Joe Snell
Max Beazley as Sir Nicholas Tremaine
Catherine Shipton as Dulcie
Julian Paull as Tom Austen
Julian Fellowes as Apted
James Ellis as Penfold
Paddy Ward as Baker
Jenny McCracken as Mere Annette
Veronica Clifford as Mrs. Snell
Philip Whitchurch as Bootle
Olivia Gillan as Lucie
Emma Hunt as Peggy Austen
Noel Johnson as Sir Nicholas Tremaine
Barry Jackson as Nolan
Jacki Webb as Shop proprietress
Roger Adamson as Fisherman
James March as Capt. Tremaine
Chrissy Monk as Elizabeth
Lee Goodwin as Young version of Tom Austen