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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Miss Matty's house is full of life and bustle with the addition of baby Tilly, daughter of her maid Martha. The new railway looms, five miles outside Cranford, to Captain Brown's great displeasure. Meanwhile, Harry Gregson is sent away to school, and set on a course that will test him severely. Tragedy strikes Cranford when two prominent local figures pass away.
Railway construction is thwarted when Mr. Buxton refuses to sell land that the railway must cross. Matty urges Mr. Buxton to test the railway's influence and drastically changes the future of Cranford. The ladies of Cranford are in a frenzy of excitement about the imminent visit of Lady Glenmire until Mrs. Jamieson announces that none of them is of high enough social standing to meet her.
A surprise wedding between Captain Brown and Lady Glenmire causes a fracture of old friendships. Harry, who has run away from school and stowed away in a freight wagon, is found on the brink of death by Miss Galindo who fights to save him. The Assembly Rooms are returned to their former glory and a sun-kissed performer, Signor Brunoni, stuns the captivated townspeople.
The Making of Cranford.
A look behind the scenes at what it takes to produce period accurate props and costumes as well as a look at the village of Lacock the site of the fictitious village of Cranford, and lastly a behind the scenes look at the actual filming of the show.
