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.

... and of course now just shown as an excellent BBC adaptation as a 6-part series. If you live outside the UK, do try to watch it when it comes to your part of the world; it's extremely well done.