If you love Downton Abbey....

The Englishman tells me that the Downton Abbey Christmas Special will be broadcast tonight.  For those of you who have been following the series faithfully, I'm sure you will enjoy it as thoroughly as I did.  It's been difficult keeping quiet about it, having seen it on Christmas Day, so I'm glad I won't have to be on guard much longer so as not to divulge any details.

It seems as though it will be such a long time before the series returns. While we wait, I have two recommendations of similar programs for you to seek out and enjoy.  Both series are based on novels and were brought to the US via PBS, first airing in 2008.  As an added bonus while you view them, a few familiar faces may appear, causing you to say, "wait, isn't that......."

Cranford is adapted from three novellas written by Elizabeth Gaskell, published between 1849 -1858.  The series was transmitted in five parts by the BBC.  The story is set in an 1840's fictional village of Cranford in North West England.  It focuses on the single and widowed middle-class female inhabitants.  These ladies are most comfortable with their way of life and place great importance on propriety and gentility.  Jim Carter, who plays Carson in Downton Abbey, is one of the actors.  Joining him is Judi Dench and Aileen Atkins, two outstanding English actresses.  One of my favorite lines from the series is delivered by Miss Matty, played by Eileen Atkins.  "No woman is the equal of a man.  She is his superior in every single case."

The other series is Lark Rise to Candleford.  It was adapted from the writings of Flora Thompson which are semi-autobiographical novels about the English countryside, published between 1939 and 1943. The story takes place in the hamlets of Lark Rise and the wealthier market town of Candleford at the end of the 19th century.  You may find you recognize Mr. Bates, played by Brendan Coyle, as Robert Timmins.  His character wisely advises us all, "You want the world to slow down?  Then just live for today."

These are but two of the many wonderful British series available.  I have found it an absolute pleasure to get lost in their stories and highly recommend you do the same.