Water Damage at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Posted
17th July 2023
in Collection, news
Unfortunately the House was victim to the storms that hit the country earlier this month, and the staff office and William’s Study were affected by water damage over the weekend of the 8 and 9 July.
Rain-related problems at the House always bring to mind the famous quote from North and South, that ‘the cloud never comes in that quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it.’ We certainly didn’t expect flooding in July!
Thankfully, thanks to the incredible quick-thinking response of our staff and volunteers, our precious books were rescued and nothing from the collection was damaged. However, the office electrics were damaged and the Study will now be temporarily closed whilst the room is dried out fully. Luckily we have been able to keep the rest of the House open and can still provide a warm welcome to all visitors, school groups, private tours and weddings.
We want to say a huge thank you to the staff and volunteer team effort in responding to the crisis. From drying books and emptying dehumidifiers, to making sure our visitors still have a wonderful experience visiting the house, our incredible team continues to be the backbone of the House.
How can you help?
The cost of repairs to the gutter, staff office and the Study come at a time when the House is already facing significant post-pandemic, cost-of-living financial challenges.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity no. 1080606). We are an independent Trust so we don’t get regular local or national government funding and rely completely on income gained through admission tickets, hires, weddings, events and shop sales to cover ongoing maintenance and running costs of the House. Simply by visiting the House (or recommending us to friends and family) and by buying something in our Tea Room and shop you are helping us so thank you!
If you are in a position where you are able to make an additional donation, your contribution will really help us and you can donate online easily using the button below, or by using our donation boxes when visiting the House.
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