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To Serve Them All My Days

The BBC's classic story of an English schoolmaster's life of tragedy and triumph between the wars

1980 ★ 7.8 1 season 13 eps TV-MA

Drama

To Serve Them All My Days is a 1980-81 British television drama serial, adapted by Andrew Davies from R. F. Delderfield's 1972 novel of the same name. David Powlett-Jones, a shell-shocked World War I veteran, becomes a teacher at an elite English boarding school, Bamfylde. The drama explores his personal growth, relationships, and evolving views on society over his 20-year career at the school.

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Where to watch To Serve Them All My Days

To Serve Them All My Days is available to stream on Nabby via 6 verified sources, aggregated from publicly available embed providers. The drama from Andrew Davies has 1 season and 13 total episodes, rated 7.8/10 by 4 viewers.

Last verified: October 30, 2026 · Source: TMDB

Episodes 13 total across 1 season

13 episodes19803 watched

During WWI, an injured and shell-shocked David Powlett-Jones applies to teach history at an English boys' public school, but he's concerned about whether a lower-class product of the Welsh mines can fit in.

On a holiday in Wales, David meets Beth, a vivacious young nurse from Swansea who literally sets her cap at him. After months of corresponding, David invites Beth to visit Bamfylde for the Founders' Day festivities.

David faces his wedding day with Howarth's gruff encouragement. Beth settles happily into life at Bamfylde, but David becomes agitated over a confrontation with Carter and a wealthy board member.

The twins arrive, and David gets an opportunity to shine as a substitute housemaster. Beautiful Julia Darbyshire takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, but she finds the atmosphere stifling and the isolation unbearable.

David takes over Havelock House for good and makes a curious choice for house captain. Everything goes well until Winterbourne, a Havelock boy, goes missing.

Stumbling about the moors, David finds a reason to return to Bamfylde and carry on. Five years later, sustained by his teaching and friendships with Herries and Howarth, he resumes his writing.

When Herries announces his retirement, Carter and David square off in the competition for the new headmaster's position. Julia's gentle persuasion helps David overcome his reticence to love again but she declares that she will never return to Bamfylde.

As Alcock takes charge and Herries bows out, the contrast between the two men is stark. The new headmaster proves to be interested in economy and sanitation above all else.

Outraged by Alcock's campaign to interrogate boys he suspects of ""unhealthy friendships"", David lashes out and Carter moves on. David becomes fascinated with Christine, a feisty upper-class socialist and politician who despises Bamfylde.

Alcock arranges a formal board hearing to air his grievances against David. Despite the risk, David continues to take time away to support Christine's political career. At the hearing, Alcock issues an ultimatum.

The masters bid farewell to Alcock in their own unique ways. David becomes the heir apparent to the headmastership, but Herries cautions David that the job won't be handed to him.

Preliminaries to World War II have started. To David's delight and amazement, Christine shows up at Bamfylde to enroll a new student. A trip home to Wales for a family death stirs David's emotions about his divided loyalties. The German threat looms over everything.

Part Thirteen✓

David revels in his new life as headmaster and husband, but Christine struggles to find her place at Bamfylde. Howarth makes a telling final request, and a letter reveals the imminent loss of another dear friend.

Frequently asked

How many seasons does To Serve Them All My Days have?

To Serve Them All My Days has 1 season with 13 episodes in total.

Is To Serve Them All My Days still on the air?

To Serve Them All My Days has ended and is no longer in production.

What network airs To Serve Them All My Days?

To Serve Them All My Days airs on BBC One.

When did To Serve Them All My Days first air?

To Serve Them All My Days first aired on October 17, 1980.

Cast

John Duttine

John Duttine

David Powlett-Jones

Frank Middlemass

Frank Middlemass

Algy Herries

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