The Years begins in 1880, in early spring in London. Eleanor Pargiter is in her early twenties. She comes from a large family whom she takes care of. Her mother is terminally ill and her father, the Colonel, is a war veteran who is secretly having an affair that keeps him out of the house most of the time. That leaves Eleanor in charge of his siblings: Delia, Edward, Martin, Milly, Morris, and Rose. Everyone in the house is on the edge because of their mother. She might die soon and some siblings are prepared while others aren’t. Mrs. Pargiter dies that night surrounded by his children who bid her farewell, except for Delia. She is unable to grieve in the same way as her siblings. Delia has been feeling trapped by her mother’s illness, and she's overtly anticipating her mother’s death. When she finally dies, she feels free. At the funeral, Delia’s mind is wandering to avoid dealing with her loss.
Its 1891, autumn. Kitty, cousin to the Pargiters has married Lord Lasswade. They have a child. Milly is married to Gibbs, Edward’s friend. In London, Eleanor who is in her early thirties is still in charge of the household. She works for a charity that offers cheap housing for the homeless. Martin who is twenty-three is on an adventure in India. Morris is now a lawyer, married to Celia. It's 1908, during the summer when Martin now in his forties comes home. He goes to see Eleanor who is now in her fifties. The Colonel has lost his brother and his wife. He is not in great health, having suffered a stroke in recent years. Eleanor and his father, The Colonel have grown closer. She dedicates most of her time to him. Rose who is in her forties and still unmarried also arrives at Eleanor’s place. She’s here to visit her cousins Sara and Maggie. They declined to meet her. It is said that Delia finally got married. Kitty is also in town to watch the Opera which seems to be missing the most important audience, King Edward VII. Later that night, screams of the death of King Edward VII fill the streets.
The summer of 1911 finds Eleanor in Spain. It is unknown how long she’s been there. She breaks the news of her father’s death. Eleanor goes to see Morris and Celia. She is a bit envious of her brother’s life. They now have three children. Eleanor tells Celia that Maggie is married in France, and she’s expecting. It is revealed that Rose has been arrested. The winter of 1913 unfolds as we meet Eleanor once again in her late fifties. She is finally selling the home in which she grew up in with her siblings. Martin remains unmarried in his mid-forties. It is revealed Martin found out about his father’s affair and becomes conflicted about it. Rose is released from prison and awarded a medal for serving in the army for her country. She becomes an activist fighting injustice.
Eleanor is having dinner with Maggie and her husband in the winter of 1917 in London. The war has forced them to move back from France. There is a bombing raid that night which forces them to take refuge in the cellar. It's 1918, during the summer, Eleanor, now 62 years old. She has been to India and other places since piquing an interest in traveling. She is barely around anymore. Delia, who has been missing in action for a while throws a party for her family. Delia has been married for a long time now in her sixties. Eleanor now in her 70s is still single. She has an existential crisis about how she’s lived at the party. She questions her purpose and meaning in her life. Everyone is in attendance as they drive around memory lane. Edward is seen for the first time since the 1880s. The party goes on till dawn as the Pargiter family winds down and looking back to a life that was chaotic yet so beautiful. In the morning, they leave, each one following their separate paths.
