Elizabeth Gaskell's House
"I must try and make the house give as much pleasure to others as I can."
– Letter (69) to Eliza ‘Tottie’ Fox, 1850 –
The Society is very proud to have played its part in the campaign, fundraising and beautiful restoration of 84 Plymouth Grove.
Elizabeth and her family lived in this house from 1850 to 1865, and members of the Gaskell family continued to live there until 1913. This is where Elizabeth wrote the majority of her major works including Cranford and North and South (working at a small table in the dining room). She also received celebrated personalities at the House, including Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë, John Ruskin and Sir Charles Hallé. This was a happy and welcoming family home and we’d like to think the house still upholds that same spirit.
The Study, Morning Room, Drawing Room, Dining Room and Elizabeth’s Bedroom have been restored to how they would have looked in around 1857, using Elizabeth’s letters, auction records and other research. Items originally from the House are displayed throughout, including paintings, furniture, Elizabeth’s wedding veil, Paisley shawls, books and miniatures. The House also has a changing exhibition space, Tea Room, shop and award-winning garden to explore.
Click the images for a glimpse inside…..
(and read more about this wonderful house below)
The House is open to visitors every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Private tours and schools are welcome on other days if pre-booked. More information on visiting the House.
Every second Sunday of the month the House hosts a legendary Second-hand Book Sale with a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction available. The House has an extensive online talks programme throughout the year as well as family events and activities. More information on events
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. Many members of the Gaskell Society were involved in the campaign to restore Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and continue to support the House through donations, as speakers and as volunteers.
If you would like to support the House with a donation or by joining the Friends of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Scheme click here
If you are interested in volunteering at the House, please click here for more information.