Our Village

"Our Village" by Mary Russell Mitford offers charming sketches depicting rural life in the English countryside. Through vivid portrayals of village life, Mitford introduces a colorful array of characters and their daily interactions, providing insightful observations with a touch of humor and social commentary. Set against the backdrop of idyllic scenery, the book captures the essence of community and tradition, showcasing the quaint customs and country living that define rural England. Mitford's keen eye for detail allows readers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and the simplicity of village life. From the bustling village square to the tranquil countryside, Mitford's sketches paint a rich tapestry of rural existence, celebrating the joys and challenges of small-town living. Through her lighthearted yet insightful narrative, she offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where the rhythms of daily life are intertwined with the beauty of nature and the warmth of community. "Our Village" stands as a timeless portrayal of rural England, capturing the essence of a simpler time and inviting readers to journey through the picturesque landscapes and charming characters that populate Mitford's beloved countryside.

Mary Russell Mitford was an English writer and dramatist. She was born in Alresford, Hampshire. Her best-known work is Our rural, a collection of sketches of rural scenery and beautifully rendered individuals inspired by her life in Three Mile Cross, Berkshire. She was the only daughter of George Mitford (or Midford), who appears to have educated as a doctor, and Mary Russell, a descendant of the noble Russell family. She grew up near Jane Austen and knew her when she was younger. Mary Russell Mitford, ten years old in 1797, won her father a lottery ticket worth £20,000, but by the 1810s, the little family was struggling financially. They lived in huge properties in Reading and then Grazeley (in Sulhamstead Abbots parish) in the 1800s and 1810s, but when the money ran out after 1819, they had to rely on a small portion of the doctor's lost fortune and the income of his daughter's literary success. He is said to have inspired Mary's intense interest in incongruities, vibrant sympathy, self-willed forceful individuality, and tolerance, all of which appear in many of her character drawings.