Cranford
A rich and comic drama about the people of Cranford, a small Cheshire town on the cusp of change in the 1840s. Adapted from the novels by Elizabeth Gaskell.
Cast
Eileen Atkins
Miss Deborah Jenkyns
Judi Dench
Miss Matilda Jenkyns
Lisa Dillon
Mary Smith
Simon Woods
Dr Harrison
Claudie Blakley
Martha
Philip Glenister
Mr Carter
Julia McKenzie
Mrs Forrester
Lesley Manville
Mrs. Rose
Imelda Staunton
Miss Pole
Alex Jennings
Reverend Hutton
Andrew Buchan
Jem Hearne
Alex Etel
Harry Gregson
Dean Lennox Kelly
Job Gregson
Joseph McFadden
Doctor Jack Marshland
Kimberley Nixon
Sophy Hutton
Seasons
In season one, talk of a new railway being built brings fears of the breakdown of law and order; and the arrival of a handsome new doctor from London causes a stir among the ladies' in the town.
E1June 1842
Nov 18, 2007
The town of Cranford is in a flurry at the arrival of a new handsome doctor. His controversial treatment of an unfortunate carpenter is risky not only for the patient, but also his reputation. Elsewhere a family suffers a loss but forges a friendship.
E2August 1842, Miss Matty is Shaken
Nov 25, 2007
An unexpected visitor shakes miss Matty, but she keeps it to herself. The rumor that the railway will reach the town ruins the happy atmosphere. When Miss Deborah goes to talk to Captain Brown of this, he is of no help, indeed their friendship is severely strained.
E3November 1842, Winter Approaches Cranford
Dec 2, 2007
The theft of a leg of mutton starts a chain of events that can only lead to trouble for one family in Cranford. With Christmas comes an invitation for Miss Matty, that she is encouraged to accept. Dr Harrison's friend Jack persuades him to declare his affections for Sophy, but then plays a cruel trick.
E4April 1843, Dr Harrison Visits the Rectory
Dec 9, 2007
Miss Matty suffers a disappointment, and reveals to Mary the great wrong done her as a young woman. Mary writes to Major Gordon about Jessie's changed circumstances. And Dr Harrison pays a formal visit to the rectory.
E5May 1843, Miss Matty's Crisis
Dec 16, 2007
Jem and Martha formalise their relationship, and live as lodgers with Miss Matty, who has fallen on hard times. Will her friends come to her aid and will she accept help? Dr Harrison is advised to leave town due to his reputation being in tatters, but Sophy is ill and his modern medicine could help. Lady Ludlow is prepared to lose everything for her absent son, but Mr Carter tries to find another solution.
Cranford, where everything changes and all remains the same, and Miss Matty's house is full of bustle when her maid Martha gives birth to a daughter. Elsewhere the shadow of the new railway still looms. Miss Matty is concerned about a young girl who lives in an isolated cottage with her mother and domineering brother. Her worries open a Pandora's box and fears that Cranford will never recover.
E1August 1844
Dec 20, 2009
Miss Matty becomes concerned about an isolated youngster as Mr Buxton returns to town.
E2October 1844
Dec 26, 2009
Defying his father, William finds a job with Captain Brown working on the railway.
Videos
Storyline
A rich and comic drama about the people of Cranford, a small Cheshire town on the cusp of change in the 1840s. Adapted from the novels by Elizabeth Gaskell.
