Mrs Gaskell’s ‘Cranford’ was originally published in 1851 in serial form, in Charles Dickens’ magazine, Household Words. It appeared in book form a couple of years later.

The novel is set in a Cheshire village (based on Knutsford) and is a gentle social satire. The ladies of Cranford are genteel, but poor. They cover this deficiency by practising ‘elegant economy’. Despite their eccentricities, they show dignity and courage in the face of adversity.

The BBC is currently promising another television adaptation this autumn.