The BBC period drama Cranford, a five-part series based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novels, is being hailed by fans as 'the next Downton Abbey.' The show, which originally aired in 2007, has captivated audiences with its stellar cast and heartfelt storytelling.
A Beloved Adaptation
Cranford is an adaptation of three novellas by Elizabeth Gaskell: Cranford, My Lady Ludlow, and Mr Harrison's Confessions, published between 1851 and 1853. Set in the early 1840s in the fictional market town of Cranford, Cheshire, the series follows a close-knit, matriarchal community grappling with the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution.
Tradition vs. Modernity
The central conflict revolves around the town's resistance to modernity, particularly the impending construction of a railway line. The story begins in 1842, focusing on the household of the stern Deborah Jenkyns (Eileen Atkins) and her gentle sister Miss Matty (Judi Dench). They welcome a young houseguest, Mary Smith (Lisa Dillon), who becomes the audience's guide to the town's eccentricities.
Two major upheavals shake the village: the arrival of Dr. Frank Harrison (Simon Woods), a modern doctor whose medical techniques clash with traditional views, and Captain Brown (Jim Carter), a retired military man overseeing the railway project. While Captain Brown initially ruffles feathers, his kindness eventually wins over the town.
Award-Winning Cast and Crew
The series features an ensemble cast including Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, and early career appearances by Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, and Jodie Whittaker. Cranford won three BAFTAs in 2008, including Best Drama Serial, Best Actress, and the Audience Award, as well as four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Royal Television Society Award.
Filming Locations and Legacy
Despite being set in Cheshire, the series was filmed in Surrey, Windsor, Wycombe, Oxford, and Lacock in Wiltshire. The show, available on Netflix, holds an impressive 8.3/10 on IMDb. Fans have taken to social media to express their love for the series, with one calling it 'a who's who of British acting' and another declaring, 'Move over, Downton Abbey, a new show has taken the top spot!'
