“I admire Mrs Davenport the more and more I see of her”
Join us for an informal visit to Capesthorne, Cheshire home to the Davenport family. Make your own way to this impressive and interesting location just a few miles from Knutsford. Gaskell Society Committee members will be around near the Hall and Café hoping to meet up and enjoy your company, after or before you have visited the Hall and explored the grounds, the timings are entirely your choice.
Caroline Anne Davenport married Edward Davies Davenport in 1830, she 21, he 52. They lived at Calveley Hall in Cheshire until the death of his father in 1837 when they moved to Capesthorne Hall. From the Letters it seems Elizabeth Gaskell, lunched at the Hall in 1836 but it is not until 1847 that Caroline is mentioned, again an invitation to lunch. Elizabeth formed a long friendship with Caroline whom she greatly admired. Please look at the attached leaflet, written by Anthony Burton, for more interesting detail on the Hall, the Davenport family and Elizabeth’s association.
This is an informal Gaskell gathering and is open to members and non-members alike. We’d love to see you there! There’s no need to book, but it would be helpful to have a rough idea of numbers. If you’re interested in coming along, please just drop us a quick email to let us know. Likewise, if you have any questions or need any more information before you make a decision, we’ll be happy to help.
Car Park, Grounds and Chapel – 12-5pm. Parking is £2 per car, and access to the grounds is free
Café – open 12-4pm
Hall – 12.30-3.30, last entry 3pm, Entry is £4. Free to accompanying Carers (proof required) free to Historic House Members (proof required).
There are several formal reception rooms on ground floor, a number of period bedrooms and displays on first floor, and photographs, estate records, old agricultural and household items and information on the fire in the basement.
There is no lift in the hall. Access to the ground floor, via a ramp, is available from the rear of the building. The front entrance is up several steep steps, though there is a handrail. Stairs to upper floor are wide and gentle, those to basement more challenging.
Some areas unsuitable for wheelchairs because of uneven ground and narrowness of pathways.