Based on three serialized Elizabeth Gaskell novels "Cranford" chronicles the absurdities and tragedies in the lives of the people of Cranford during one extraordinary year. Cranford in the 1840s is a small Cheshire market town on the cusp of change. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards the town from Manchester, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order. Starring Francesa Harris, Michael Gambon and Judi Dench as Miss Matty Jenkyns. In part one, Mary Smith flees a crisis at home in Manchester to stay with two spinster sisters, Deborah and Matty Jenkyns, in the small, rural town of Cranford. Deborah is the dominant force in Cranford society, and the kind-hearted and eccentric Matty believes her to be the best judge in all matters. A handsome, new young doctor, Frank Harrison, is brought to Cranford, and his bachelor status is the talk of the town.