Blogs & News

: Coming Soon! Online Event – International Women’s Day: Women of Words

Join our four literary houses in an evening to celebrate women writers who supported each other through female networks and creative collaboration as we mark International Women’s Day. Step into the worlds of novelists the Brontë sisters, Elizabeth Gaskell, Fredrika Bremer and their earlier predecessors for a vivid insight into the literary connections and networks that sustained women’s writing lives. Through letters we glimpse supportive mentorships, introductions between writers, friendly editorial advice, the sharing of new publications, and lively

: International Women’s Day Walking Tour

In the week of International Women’s Day, join a unique walking tour to discover the history of Manchester women associated with the Oxford Road Corridor. Artists, writers, scientists, medics, campaigners – many were pioneers in their fields but may still lack recognition, including Elizabeth Gaskell. The guided walk starts at Grosvenor Square (All Saints Park), off Oxford Road and will finish at Elizabeth Gaskell's House. The cost includes entry to Elizabeth Gaskell's House so you can learn more

: Elizabeth Gaskell’s Gothic Fiction: An Introduction

Take a turn to the dark side this autumn as you explore the mystery and macabre of Elizabeth Gaskell’s Gothic writing. Face the claustrophobic suspense of Lois the Witch, feel the supernatural terror of The Poor Clare and shiver in the snowy horror of The Old Nurse's Story. While the writings of a wife of a Unitarian minister may not be the first place to look for tales of terror and the supernatural, Elizabeth Gaskell wrote some classic

: Online Talk: Step into the Garden – The Language of Flowers in Cranford and other novels

Let your love of reading bloom and step into the (virtual) garden to discover the hidden language of flowers in some of your favourite Elizabeth Gaskell’s novels, starting with the much-loved Cranford. Many stories include a secret symbolism of flowers, which was both typically Victorian and unique to Elizabeth Gaskell’s work, from Wives and Daughters to Ruth. What does it signify that Cranford’s Miss Matty, with her long-lost love, has the yellow primrose as her favourite flower? How

: Online Talk: Cranford For Beginners

'In the first place, Cranford is in possession of the Amazons; all the holders of houses above a certain rent are women.' Have you ever wanted to read Cranford or wondered why it’s one of Elizabeth Gaskell’s most popular novels? Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford is famed for its portrayal of picture-perfect English village life and has never been out of print since it was first published in 1853. Now Libby Tempest, Vice Chair of the Gaskell Society, tells us about how she came