Blogs & News

: Lunch-time Talk: Victorian Christmas Games

Forfeits...Snap Apple...Musical Fright: just a selection of the curious Christmas games played around the Victorian fireside during the festive season! Join Anthony Burton as he discusses weird and wonderful Victorian Christmas parlour games – with the chance for visitors to join in the fun. Treat yourself to a mince pie and a warming mulled wine in our cosy Tea Room too!   Included in House entry      Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity

: Lunch-time Talk: Victorian Christmas Literature

A cheerful company assembled round a glowing fire from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Join Anthony Burton for a festive lunch-time talk about Christmas literature during the Victorian period. Seasonal refreshments will be on sale in the Tea Room.   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

: Cloth & Class: Paisley Shawls in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Writing

Paisley shawls are a recurring motif in Elizabeth Gaskell's writing. What is their importance and meaning in her work? Join designer and textile lecturer Margo Singer to find out, in this fascinating talk.  Take the chance to see our House display of original paisley wool scarves from the Elizabeth Gaskell Family Collection too.         Included in House entry 

: Patchwork and Penwork: Quilts & Elizabeth Gaskell’s Writing

Join textile lecturer Margo Singer as she talks about the patchwork quilt, as featured in Elizabeth Gaskell’s novels and in her domestic life. There’ll be chance to see the Manchester Quilt, hand-stitched here by our own Sewing Bee group.         Included in House entry 

: Free Entry for Local Residents

Elizabeth Gaskell's House is delighted to welcome local residents to visit the House for FREE on Thursday 28 November from 11am-6pm. The House and Tea Room will be open as usual with our expert and super friendly volunteers on hand to talk to you about Elizabeth's life, her family, the history of the House and its restoration. On the first floor our exhibition, My Dear Mr Ruskin, will also be open and there an opportunity to sketch something