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2026 Online Reading Workshops – The Gothic

Take a walk on the wild side with our new reading course looking at horror, mystery and the darker side of the human condition. We’re taking on some giants of the Gothic to explore literature’s supernatural forces, from the terrible monster of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to the wild and windy moors of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.

Many of your favourite women writers wrote Gothic novels so now is the time to dig a little deeper into the underbelly of nineteenth-century literature.

We start by looking at the tropes of classic Gothic novels with Jane Austen’s satire Northanger Abbey. Then it’s onto the many interpretations of the groundbreaking Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Step into the shadowy dark with the scandalous romance of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Onto the supernatural terror of Elizabeth Gaskell’s short stories The Old Nurse’s Story and The Poor Clare. Finally, we finish with a bite into one of the earliest Vampire books, Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu.

Join us this winter and spring for Gothic nights in with the ever-popular Sherry Ashworth and like-minded literary fans. Each month we’ll focus on one Gothic novel.

How does it work?

The class will begin with us all reading a key passage together, and then there will be breakout discussion in which everyone gets to express their view. The course is suitable for the general reader who wants to delve deeper into 19th century writing. Knowledge of the novels is desirable, but not essential, just a willingness to get stuck in!

Sessions will take place on zoom and numbers are limited to allow an inclusive discussion with the chance for all to take part. Please note these sessions will not be recorded as we do not have permissions from attendees.

What now?

Sherry’s courses often sell out quickly so we advise you to book early. What are you waiting for?
Sessions are every second Wednesday of the month January – May 2026, 7-9pm for £13.50 per workshop.

Click on the blue links below to book each session.

Every second Wednesday of the month January – May 2026, 7-9pm

• Wednesday 14 January, 7-9pm Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen – Book at this link here
• Wednesday 11 February, 7-9pm Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Book at this link here
• Wednesday 11 March, 7-9pm Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte – Book at this link here
• Wednesday 8 April, 7-9pm Short Stories The Old Nurse’s Story with The Poor Clare by Elizabeth Gaskell – Book at this link here
• Wednesday 13 May, 7-9pm Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu – Book at this link here

£13.50 per session

“Learned so much about 19th century novels I was not familiar with. Sherry is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and engages with all the participants. Very inclusive.” Visitor to online events

**Refer to your e-ticket for joining instructions and links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket.**

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

Keep the Pages Turning

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity no. 1080606) and all money gained through private tours, talks, room hire and ticket sales goes towards the ongoing maintenance and running costs of the House. If you would like to support the House with an additional donation you can do so via this link.