Blogs & News

: Online Event: From the Dashwoods to Cranford – Sisterhood in the Worlds of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell

Step into the elegant but precarious world of the Dashwood sisters in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. The rational Elinor and the impetuous Marianne share a sisterly bond that endures despite all outside challenges. Book now Sisterhood was a key theme in many of Jane Austen’s best-loved novels from the close relationship of Lizzy and Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice to the difficult relationship between the Elliot sisters in Persuasion. So how does literature reflect reality and

: 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. Book now Step into the worlds of novelists the Brontë sisters, Harriet Martineau, 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

: Women of Oxford Road Walking Tour

Calling students and the curious! Join us for a unique walking tour to discover the history of Manchester women associated with the Oxford Road Corridor as part of The Cultural Welcome programme. 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

: Online Talk – 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. Book now 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

: 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. Book now What does it signify that Cranford’s Miss Matty, with her long-lost love, has the yellow primrose as her favourite