The BBC television adaptation by Sandy Welch brought Elizabeth Gaskell’s much loved novel ‘North and South’ to the small screen in 2004. The perfectly cast Daniela Denby-Ashe as heroine Margaret Hale and the outstanding Richard Armitage inhabiting the role of self-made man and mill owner John Thornton certainly helped make the series a hit. But how did the show appeal to both Gaskell fans and new audiences? Why was it so popular? How closely does it stick to the original novel? And what effect did this success have on Elizabeth Gaskell’s reputation? All will be revealed as we enjoy taking a closer look with Libby Tempest, Chair of the Gaskell Society.

“OUTSTANDING by Libby Tempest. I attend several talks and this was superb.” Visitor to online events