Blogs & News

: Talk: The Silk Dress & Elizabeth Gaskell’s Writing

The silk dress was a Nineteenth-century symbol of respectability, luxury and seduction. Join Margo Singer as she showcases some authentic Victorian silk dresses and accessories, and discusses the dress's appearances in novels including Cranford, North and South and Ruth - as well as in Elizabeth Gaskell's own letters. See some real Victorian silk dresses, find out why many Victorian women aspired to own one, and learn about its importance as a motif in Elizabeth Gaskell's writing.     Free with usual

: Discussion – Elizabeth Gaskell’s Short Fiction: ‘A Dark Night’s Work’

'One little hour ago I was innocent of this man's blood!' Passion! Death! A buried body! And a dispute over the text with Charles Dickens! Join Dr Diane Duffy for a lively discussion about one of Elizabeth Gaskell's shorter works of fiction, A Dark Night's Work. (This follows a previous discussion on 12 May) Is this story, published by Dickens in 1863, a love story or crime fiction? Come along and give your opinion, or find out more about this

: Father’s Day Walk & Talk: Meet The Neighbours

Get to know the neighbours this Father's Day! Join us for a walk and talk around the Gaskells' neighbourhood for Father's Day. The Gaskells were known for their wide circle of friends. Come and meet a few of the local ones, as we introduce you to the friends across the road and around the corner from their Manchester home. Take a Sunday afternoon stroll with us to the University and back, as guides Anthony Burton and Dr Diane

: Mother’s Day at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

 "Mother's love is given by God, John. It holds fast for ever and ever." Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South Join us for a Mothering Sunday discussion on motherhood, as seen through the writings of Elizabeth Gaskell.  Meet Elizabeth Gaskell herself - in the guise of our very own Dr Diane Duffy - as she settles in the drawing room to talk to interviewer Chris Foley about motherhood through the lens of Elizabeth's own letters and novels. Don't forget to

: May Half-term – Servant School!

  "All our servants do very nicely" Elizabeth Gaskell Join us on Wednesday during half term, and learn to be a House servant! Meet our resident servants, Hearn and Margaret, and be put to work on some light household duties in order to earn your Servant School Certificate! £1 per child, with accompanying adult paying usual annual ticket house admission: £5/£4 concessions.