JOHN THORNTON AND MARGARET HALE: THE LOVE STORY FROM ‘NORTH AND SOUTH’

---

Give a girl a pretty period drama, and there are things to say. Give a girl a brilliantly beautiful period drama and well, there really are no notes to be taken. Such is true of the 2005 period drama North and South (not to be confused with the Civil War drama of the same name). This BBC production has lots to recommend it, but today we are spotlighting some of the best romance moments of John Thornton and Margaret Hale, which is this story’s two lead protagonists.

LIST | THE LOVE STORY OF KAT LANDRY AND ELLIOT FROM ‘THE WAY HOME’

JOHN THORNTON AND MARGARET HALE: THE LOVE STORY FROM ‘NORTH AND SOUTH.’ Putting a spotlight on the wonderful romance of #MrThornton and #MargaretHale! #PeriodDrama #NorthandSouth Share on X

This British production technically made its mark in the world in 2004 when it debuted in Britain, but in the summer of 2005, it made its way stateside so we’re celebrating its 2005 release which marks its twentieth anniversary. The story is based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell and is about the harsh businessman John Thornton, and the more genteel southern lady Margaret Hale, daughter of a clergyman. When her father’s work forces they relocate, Margaret is quite unprepared for the harsh realities of the North and finds Thornton to be one of the problematic things about the North. From there, many things happen including loss, changes in social standings and possible love stories, all of which form what is a lovely and brilliant story.

Let’s look at the best romance moments of Thornton and Margaret.

---

BEST ROMANCE MOMENTS of THORNTON and MARGARET

spotlighting the elegant romance of North and South

---

CHANGE

Throughout the miniseries, these two clash more often than they don’t, but there does come a time when they seem to show respect if nothing else towards each other, and its in these conversations and moments that we begin to see something there…

THE HANDSHAKE

Throughout the story, there is conversation and mentions made of Mr. Thornton not understanding proper manners (from Margaret’s perspective as a Southerner) and Margaret not understanding the ways of the North which includes a firm hand in dealing with factory employees. During a soiree held at the Thornton’s home (and under the watchful eye of the domineering Mrs. Thornton, John’s mother), Margaret, in a pretty frock, makes a gesture to shake the hand of Mr. Thornton, showing that she is making an effort in their unusual friendship and learning. The handshake, of course, lingers a bit longer than manners dictate.

LOOK BACK at ME

The whole moment when, after circumstances change and Margaret is again uprooted from this new place she calls home, John watches her leave is a much loved favorite of fans. Margaret is handed into a carriage as white snow falls everywhere, and watching from a higher vantage point, with agony showing on his face, John says, look back at me as he watches the woman he loves seemingly leave his life forever. romance thornton and margaret

VISITING

Time passes, and the pair don’t see each other. Then, because she has prospects, Margaret decides she wants to make a business proposition to John. She makes the trip back to Milton, not realizing that he isn’t there. She walks the now abandoned spaces of his once bustling business… all the while thinking on him.

What Margaret doesn’t know is, John too is wanting to be close to her. He travels to the place she loves most in the world, the home she left for the North. While there, he walks the open and green fields, discovering the lovely yellow flowers where Margaret spent so much of her time…

THE TRAIN STATION

Thornton leaves behind Margaret’s happy home to return to Milton and while the trains stop to allow another to pass, as he steps out of the train car, lifting his head, across the way, he sees Margaret. Travelling back from her visit to Milton, he is the last man Margaret expects to see, but small expressions of joy cross both of their faces when they lock eyes. Hoping to propose her business plan to him, Thornton is having none of her talk… instead, as they sit on a bench, he hands her the yellow flower he’s carrying and she realizes instantly where he’s been.

Looking down at the flower she holds, she tries to keep things professional. He gently lifts  her head and their eyes meet… and gently, they come together to share a kiss. As her train readies to pull out, Margaret hurries away and John believes she’s made a choice… to leave.

But then, in the train window, he sees her standing behind him, and asks with relief and love all over his face, coming home with me? romance thornton and Margaret

He hands her into his train car, and sharing another kiss, both seem content and happy… and we’re left feeling as if, no matter the challenges ahead of them, they are both finally happy as they head towards home, willing to face whatever is next together.

Stream, at publication, North and South with BritBox, Peacock, Roku or Tubi; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video

Photos: BBC

What do you love about this period drama? What are your best romance moments of Thornton and Margaret Hale? Do you like these two together? Which moments did I miss? What do you love most about North and South? Comment all of your thoughts below. Let’s celebrate these two!

Love epic romances? Browse our other OTP Favorite love story scenes between some fan favorite romances with TV couples

Thank you for visiting; please do return again soon

PINTEREST PIN – SAVE & SHARE

---