History from the Small Screen – Bramwell

Some of my favorite type of television shows are those that provide historical information through a fictional drama.  Many of them are available from streaming subscriptions and for purchase on DVD too.  We all know how Downtown Abbey has become a hit show and although it is the sensational drama that brings many of us to the screen, underlying it all is the history.  I am going to attempt to highlight one of these programs each Saturday in place of my “What Happened on” post (Sometimes in addition).

Do you have any favorite programs that fit this category?  I’d love to hear your ideas and I would be glad to include the program in an up coming post.  I also would welcome a guest blogger.

This week we have another British medical period drama, Bramwell.  Although only four seasons and twenty-seven episodes, I highly recommend this show.  On January 23, 2014, I wrote the story of the first female M.D., Elizabeth Blackwell and was reminded of the lead character from Bramwell.  In 1895, women were not expected to work – or even know about – medicine. Women were expected to work as house-wives, mothers, teachers and nurses. One women was determined to change that. Eleanor Bramwell works under Sir Herbert Hamilton’s supervision. She isn’t happy. After he stupidly loses a perfectly healthy young mother, Eleanor decides it is time to make her mark in medical history. Mocked by fellow medical students and questioned by her father, Doctor Robert Bramwell, Eleanor is soon given a renovated building – by donation of the kind Lady Cora Peters – and begins her own infirmary – The Thrift. But with all odds against her, will she survive? Will she make her dream come true? Will her colleagues trust her?