What's On

Online Talk: The Shadows of Salem – Myth V Reality in Lois the Witch and Other Tales

Does literature reveal the truth behind history or does it simply create a more haunting story? Discover how Elizabeth Gaskell drew on the real Salem Witch Trails of 1692 to write her 1859 novella, Lois the Witch. Then take a look at other witchy tales from the dark side.

Join us for an evening of historical unmasking as we explore the tragic story of Lois Barclay, an English orphan caught in a whirlwind of Puritan fanaticism in colonial Massachusetts.

Author Livi Michael peels back the Gothic layers of tension and dread to discover where historical fact ends and Victorian fiction begins. How is the figure of the witch a symbol of social anxiety, sexual politics and mass hysteria and what is the real truth of the tale?

Livi Michael has written novels for adults, young adults and children. Her 21st novel, Elizabeth and Ruth was published by Salt in 2026. Her short stories have been published in Granta, The Best British Short Stories 2026, and have been long listed for the BBC National Short Story Award. Her play, Singers Not Sinners about the first three women who were allowed to sing in a choir in Oldham 1701 was performed in Oldham in 2022. She has taught creative writing in various universities and for the Arvon foundation, and was Programme Leader of the MA in Publishing at Manchester Metropolitan University. She runs a podcast about short stories with the writer and translator Sonya Moor.

Perfect for Elizabeth Gaskell fans and anyone fascinated by the enduring horror of the Salem Witch Trials.

‘Absolutely fascinating. She had unearthed so much information previously unknown to me‘ Previous online attendee

Part of Short Stories – The Gothic Season

Wednesday 14 October, 7-8pm

Tickets £6

**Refer to your e-ticket for zoom joining instructions and links. This talk will also be recorded and all ticketholders will receive a link to the recording via TicketSource after the event.**

What else do I need to know?

**Refer to your e-ticket for zoom joining instructions and links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket. This talk will also be recorded and all ticketholders will receive a link to the recording via TicketSource after the event.**

You can also support the House by buying from our online shop via this link.

If you have any questions about this event, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Keep the Pages Turning

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity no. 1080606) and all money gained through private tours, talks, room hire and ticket sales goes towards the ongoing maintenance and running costs of the House. If you would like to support the House with an additional donation you can do so via this link.