Blogs & News

: Online Talk: Elizabeth Gaskell’s Fairy Stories

Wicked stepmothers. Prince Charming. Sleeping beauties. Fairy stories might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Elizabeth Gaskell. So put on your glass slipper and step into the deep dark woods for a fresh look at Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing. Many women writers have used the oral tradition of fairy tales to challenge accepted ideas and re-work traditional tales. Look below the surface in Elizabeth Gaskell and nothing is as it seems. Can

: A Novel Introduction

Visit Elizabeth Gaskell's House between 15 October until Sunday 26 October and you can purchase a mystery Elizabeth Gaskell book for £5 with your admission ticket. This offer is linked to the House’s current exhibition, I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell, which explores how three young writers in residence have engaged with Elizabeth’s legacy for the first time, an experience shared by many of our visitors. A variety of paperback titles will be wrapped in brown paper and waiting for visitors

: Online Talk: Elizabeth Gaskell’s Short Stories – An Introduction

Comedy. Tragedy. Sensationalism. Realism. Gothic. Journalism. Elizabeth Gaskell was more than a novelist. Her short stories have got it all. Join popular speaker Elizabeth Williams for this intriguing introduction to a different side of Elizabeth Gaskell’s story-telling. Better known for her classic novels, Elizabeth Gaskell was a prolific writer of short stories. Charles Dickens knew this and encouraged her to write for his literary magazine. Works like the much-loved Cranford started as short stories. Others, like Libbie Marsh’s

: Online Talk: Ruth – Fact and Fiction: Social Class Divisions in Elizabeth Gaskell’s World

Class. Status. Sex. Elizabeth Gaskell’s controversial novel Ruth shocked Victorian society for its portrayal of a ‘fallen woman’ who had sex before marriage. But what of the true story that inspired it? Now you can uncover both fact and fiction including the story of Pasley, the young teenage girl Elizabeth met in Salford’s New Bailey Prison. Author Livi Michael looks at the real ‘Ruth’ and her background. How did creating this groundbreaking novel impact Elizabeth Gaskell as a

: Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Our Victorian Christmas Experience is back and even more magical than last year! Starting from 15 November and running until 20 December the House will be decked out in Christmas splendour.  Expect sparkling trees, unusual seasonal bookish décor and atmospheric rooms that tell stories of Victorian Christmases past.   Book now Entertainment  Catch The Venti Choir performing traditional carols and new compositions throughout the festive period. Check back here for performance times.   Don’t forget to stop by the Servants’