The story of an abandoned child discovered on the Somerset property of a kind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy. Taken in and brought up by the kind squire, Tom grows into a honest, kindhearted and lust-filled youth.

Inevitably, he falls in love with his neighbor's daughter, Sophia Western, whose family opposes the courtship because of his status as a bastard child. He's ultimately redeemed by the love of Sophia as he battles the class structure of his time.