Blogs & News

: 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. Artists writers, scientists, medics, campaigners – many were pioneers in their fields, but may still lack recognition, including Elizabeth Gaskell. This event is part of of The Cultural Welcome, a special week of student events around the Oxford Road Corridor, Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter The guided walk starts at Grosvenor Square (All Saints Park),

: 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

: 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. Book now Now Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of the Gaskell Society, tells us about how she

: Online Talk: Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell- A Friendship

This introductory talk explores the relationship between two giants of nineteenth-century literature. Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell were opposites in many ways. Yet they were profoundly interested in each other’s work and lives. Their first meeting in the Lake District in 1850 led to a real friendship. Book now Charlotte had written the instant classic Jane Eyre and then Shirley, while Elizabeth’s astounding debut novel Mary Barton had been well-received. This talk uses letters, writing and contemporary accounts