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Online Tour: Restoring Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

As part of the 10 year anniversary celebrations of the opening of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, we’re bringing Manchester’s literary heritage to life with a special online tour by the ‘House Detective’ Frank Galvin.

Using 360-degree photography our expert guide reveals the true story of restoring Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. This unique tour will explore how the House was brought back from the brink by expert skills and exacting historic research, all brought to you by one of the key figures leading the restoration.

From the Morning Room and Study, to the Drawing and Dining Rooms, you’ll learn about the stories behind this beautiful Victorian villa; where Elizabeth wrote her famous novels and celebrity visitors to the House included Charlotte Brontë and Charles Dickens.

Your tour will focus on how the House was restored and why certain furnishings and decor were chosen.

This tour is a must for literary and Elizabeth Gaskell fans!

Frank Galvin joined the Elizabeth Gaskell’s House team just before the second phase of the restoration work. In his career Frank was a museum curator, and took on the role of curatorial advisor alongside others. He was on site daily and could often be spotted in his blue hard hat. Frank later joined the Board and became Chair from 2015-2022. He continues to volunteer with practical maintenance jobs, as a tour guide and was the accreditation mentor for the House’s successful application to become an Accredited Museum in 2024.

‘A fabulous experience which has stimulated my research’

‘Wonderful personal details’

Tickets £15

Wednesday 2 April 2025, 7-8pm

**Refer to your e-ticket for zoom joining instructions and links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket. This talk will also be recorded and all ticketholders will receive a link to the recording via TicketSource after the event.**

You can also support the house by buying from our online shop via this link.

If you have any questions about this event, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Gift £10 to Celebrate 10 years.

Keeping Elizabeth Gaskell’s House open to the public remains a real financial challenge. Our incredible team needs your help and support to continue the story long into the future. During our anniversary year we are asking our supporters to give £10 to support the House during our anniversary year and to help us raise £10,000. You can make a donation via JustGiving.