TV series
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a 1996 serial adaptation of Anne Brontë's novel of the same name, produced by the BBC. A mysterious young woman arrives at Wildfell Hall, an old house of the Elizabethan era, with a young son. She is determined to lead an independent existence, but her new neighbours do not want to leave her alone. Only one of them, a young farmer, succeeds in finding her secrets.
Watch trailerAvailability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall premiered November 17, 1996. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is a 1996 serial adaptation of Anne Brontë's novel of the same name, produced by the BBC. A mysterious young woman arrives at Wildfell Hall, an old house of the Elizabethan era, with a young son. She is determined to lead an independent existence, but her new neighbours do not want to leave her alone. Only one of them, a young farmer, succeeds in finding her secrets.
Cast, crew and production details
Tara FitzgeraldHelen Graham
Toby StephensGilbert Markham
Rupert GravesArthur Huntingdon
Sarah BadelRachel
Sean GallagherWalter Hargrave
Jonathan CakeRalph Hattersley
Joe AbsolomFergus Markham
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBCUnited Kingdom
GBHUnited StatesWatch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.
Episode 1
Beautiful but mysterious widow Helen Graham and her young son Arthur take up residence in the almost derelict Wildfell Hall. She is befriended by young local farmer Gilbert Markham, but refuses to tell him about her past.
Directed by Mike BarkerWritten by David Nokes, Janet BarronGuest stars James Purefoy, Kenneth Cranham, Paloma Baeza, Pam Ferris, Cathy Murphy, Miranda Pleasence, Aran Bell, Karen Westwood
Where to watch The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Episode 2
Helen decides to open up to Gilbert and entrusts him with her diary. He learns about the sad truth about her life, including her meeting and nuptials to notorious rake Arthur Huntingdon. The breakdown of her marriage is also revealed.
Directed by Mike BarkerWritten by David NokesGuest stars Susannah Wise, Kim Durham, Beatie Edney, Dominic Rowan, Linda Marlowe, James Smith, Jeremy Anthony
Where to watch The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Episode 3
Huntingdon abducts young Arthur, forcing Helen to return to him. Despite his rakish and dissolute behaviour, she nurses him until his death. Following this, Helen reunites with Gilbert, and they wed.
Directed by Mike BarkerWritten by David NokesGuest stars James Purefoy, Kenneth Cranham, Paloma Baeza, Pam Ferris, Cathy Murphy, Miranda Pleasence, Susannah Wise, Aran Bell
Where to watch The Tenant of Wildfell HallEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
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