News

‘Cranford is in possession of the Amazons.’

‘In the first place, Cranford is in possession of the Amazons… whatever does become of the gentlemen, they are not at Cranford.’

Best known for the TV adaptation starring Judi Dench, Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel Cranford started life as a series of short stories. The first, ‘Our Society in Cranford’, appeared in 1851. It introduced gentle incidents of rural life including characters like the much-loved Miss Matty and her upright sister Miss Jenkyns. There were seven more short stories over the next 18 months. They were later gathered together as a single novel.

What happens?

In later stories, the return of Miss Matty’s former fiancé, Mr Holbrook, who she was prevented from marrying as a young woman, stirs up old feelings. His unexpected passing causes Miss Matty to reminisce. She thinks of her brother Peter, who ran away to join the army and ended up in India.

There is some excitement in the community too! They prepare to meet a titled visitor, Lady Glenmire, and then view a performance by the magician Signor Brunoni. Following the magic show, rumours of theft are rife and the finger is pointed at the magical foreigner. However, when it is discovered Brunoni is injured after an accident, the Cranford ladies rally round to support his family. His wife’s connections link to India and the narrator wonders about Mis Matty’s long-lost brother.

When the bank goes bankrupt, Miss Matty loses her income. Again, her friends rally round and support her to set up her own genteel business. Even her servant helps her create a new family home.

And the Final Chapter?

The comic sketches of country life include the infamous story of a cow wearing flannel pyjamas and a woman retrieving precious lace swallowed by a cat. By the final chapters the power of female friendship has shone through so we get our happy ending. Definitely worth a read!

You can enjoy the book and support the House at the same time with a visit to our online shop via this link here.