When chimney sweep Tom Wasp visits his friend Eliza Hogg in Newgate Prison in January 1863, on the day before she is due to be hanged, he is given the only thing of value she possesses, a pawn ticket. His 12 year old apprentice, Ned, is disappointed that the pawn item turns out to be a scruffy sailor doll, until they find a hidden secret ... that sets off the two most notorious gangs of London's East End.