1842; Cranford is a small Cheshire market town and the plot revolves largely around its romances, often observed by its middle-aged widows, spinsters and other old dears, who have little to do but gossip and observe the social etiquettes of the period. find out more...

April 1843; railway construction begins, the young ladies are still all of a tither over Dr Harrison, Jessie regrets turning down the Major and Mr Carter has been teaching young tyke Gregson to read and write. find out more...