Funny and touching drama that brings together the idiosyncrasies and misfortunes of the lives of the people of Cranford. With the arrival of new residents the women of the town are sparkling with anticipation. Centring on Matty Jenkyns and her older, stricter sister Debora, we share in their excitement as a new house guest and neighbours arrive. When Jem, the local carpenter, falls from a tree, all eyes are upon on the new doctor and his untested modern methods.

A theft from the Doctor's house and an attack on Mr Johnson spread panic and the fear of an imminent crime wave. Suspicion and mistrust ripple through Cranford and Miss Pole resorts to desperate measures to safeguard her treasures.

To save his father, Harry is forced to make a formidable decision, thereby putting himself in danger. In these uncertain times, the ladies cluster together at Christmas.

With the coming of spring, love blossoms in many hearts as Valentine cards arrive, but are they really tokens of love? And can the culprit be unaware of the catastrophe that could result from his pranks?