Andrew Buchan ("Cranford," "Party Animals"), Alun Armstrong ("New Tricks," "Little Dorrit") and Lyndsey Marshall ("Rome") star in GARROW'S LAW, inspired by the life of pioneering barrister William Garrow. Based on actual legal cases from the late 18th century, GARROW'S LAW is set in the Old Bailey of Georgian London against a backdrop of corruption and social injustice.
Each episode begins with the investigation of a case sourced from the Old Bailey archives — from rape and murder to high treason, and follows Garrow (Buchan) and his associate John Southouse (Armstrong) working to uncover the truth as they fight for justice.
Explore The Cases
Find out more about the real cases that inspired the series in the GARROW'S LAW blog.
Episode One, Season One airs Sunday, Feb. 3 at 11 p.m. - In the late 18th century, young idealistic barrister William Garrow is given his first criminal defense case at the Old Bailey by attorney and mentor John Southouse. He defends Peter Pace, who is accused by renowned thief-taker Edward Forrester of robbing a man at gunpoint.
The case is won by Garrow's nemesis Silvester, but Garrow's impressive performance in court catches the eye of Lady Sarah Hill. She instructs him to defend a helpless serving girl, Elizabeth Jarvis, who stands accused of murdering her newborn baby. Garrow learns a harsh lesson from his first case, and vows to defend the life of Elizabeth.
Episode Two: Season One airs Sunday, Feb. 10 at 11 p.m. - William Garrow is now a celebrated Old Bailey barrister and, encouraged by John Southouse, defends the case of the infamous Monster, a man who carries out a series of stabbings on young ladies across London.
As a result, Garrow's popularity diminishes with the public and the press. However, Renwick Williams, the accused, is described by Garrow as a "lecherous libertine" and his defense is not easy. Garrow's friendship with Lady Sarah grows closer, which does not go unnoticed by her husband, Sir Arthur.
Episode Three: Season One airs Sunday, Feb. 17 at 11 p.m. - After more derision from Silvester, William Garrow is spurred on to defend Edgar Cole, a man who is accused of raping a servant girl. Garrow controversially wins and the detestable Edgar Cole is acquitted, much to the disappointment of Lady Sarah.
"The cases are fascinating. They are written very honestly and accurately, and are, dramatically speaking, very challenging to perform." - Andrew Buchan
She confronts Garrow but Silvester interrupts and senses the intimacy between them. His insinuation offends Garrow and he challenges Silvester to a duel to defend Lady Sarah's honor.
Garrow's next case sees him up against his old nemesis, the violent and unscrupulous thief-taker Edward Forrester. Forrester orders petty criminals Tom and Phebe to steal a box of lace from a shop owned by Katharine Stanton.
Garrow seeks help from John Southouse, but will his close friendship with Lady Sarah cost him his association with his dear mentor?
Episode Four: Season One airs Sunday, Feb. 24 at 11 p.m. - William Garrow continues to defend the victims of rough justice when he wins the case of a prostitute accused of murdering a client. Garrow and John Southouse's association is still strained until a desperate Mary Hamer arrives in Southouse's office, begging for Garrow to defend her husband.
Joseph Hamer has been languishing in Newgate Prison without charge for many months after being arrested on suspicion of sedition. Lady Sarah admits to a devastated Garrow that they have no future together, but after learning of her husband's role in the plot against Joseph Hamer, she intervenes and the trial takes a surprising turn.
