When the TARDIS lands on a remote and wild stretch of the Cornish coast, its occupants little realise that they have arrived in the 17th century. The Doctor, Ben and Polly soon discover to their cost, however, that these are far from hospitable times. The local Squire is at the head of a plot to offload contraband, whilst a long rumoured hoard of stolen treasure has drawn attention to the village church. Inadvertently stumbling upon this web of deception and double-crossing, the time-travellers are rapidly propelled into danger.