Welcome to the world of, what must surely be Elizabeth Gaskell’s most charming novel, Cranford. This story of the ‘Amazons’ of Cranford has never been out of print. Now a new season of events just for you celebrates the quiet strength of women’s community and the most enduring friendships in literature.
Here you can value the small joys: the perfect cup of tea, the first bloom in a well-tended garden, and the comfort of a shared story. In a world that often moves too fast, we invite you to step into Cranford.
‘In the first place, Cranford is in possession of the Amazons; all the holders of houses above a certain rent are women.’
Online Talk: Cranford – A TV Classic
The BBC TV adaptations Cranford (2007) and Return to Cranford (2009) were hailed as rich and funny portrayals of Victorian provincial life.
The series featured a wealth of stars including Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton and Francesca Annis. Heidi Thomas’s screenplay reflected both the gentle humour and the pathos of rural life in a Cheshire town on the cusp of industrial change.
Enjoy a wealth of characters from the gentle Miss Matty and her domineering elder sister to the gossipy Miss Pole and that arbiter of social standing, The Honourable Mrs Jamieson.
Dr Chris Louttit takes a closer look at the much-loved adaptation of Cranford on Wednesday 3 June, 7pm.
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. Elizabeth’s own love of gardening and flowers appears in her letters too ‘I believe the garden will be a great delight in our new house… and one may get out without a bonnet, which is a blessing’.
What does it signify that Cranford’s Miss Matty, with her long-lost love, has the yellow primrose as her favourite flower?
Join speaker Caroline Malcolm-Boulton for the perfect summer treat on Wednesday 17 June, 7pm.
‘Caroline is wonderful. She has a way of explaining things that’s both smart and totally approachable.’ Audience member
Online Talk: Cranford For Beginners
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.
Now Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of the Gaskell Society, tells us how she came to know and love the work of Elizabeth Gaskell and the ‘excellent women’ of Cranford in particular. A warm, funny and engaging talk which suggests there may be more to Cranford than the idyllic image suggests.
Now Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of the Gaskell Society, tells us about how she came to know and love the work of Elizabeth Gaskell and the ‘excellent women’ of Cranford in particular. A warm, funny and engaging talk which suggests there may be more to Cranford than the idyllic image suggests.
Join Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of the Gaskell Society, for an introduction to this well-loved classic of Victorian literature on Wednesday 24 June, 7pm.
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.
