David begins to uncover the history of 5, Grosvenor Mount, Leeds starting with its first resident - an idealistic Victorian lawyer. He learns the rags to riches story of later resident Ann Dawson and of master builder William Nicholson.
David uncovers the story of the next resident of the house, a ruthless factory owner. He learns of a pacifist couple who took a stand against the Boer War and of Edward Partridge Fearnley, who worked on luxury ships in the 1920s.
David follows the trails of a traumatised soldier on the run, a family man who is at breaking point and a married couple with a shared interest in the spiritual movement of theosophy, one of whom developed an interest in the paranormal.
WWII puts residents of Number 5 in danger. Leeds is a shock to a Greek war bride with a tragic past. The post-war period sees No. 5 home to a film critic and his wife. There is a return for students who lived here at the Millennium.