of all the weary, killing wearing out bustles in this life that of the last week passed all belief’. Elizabeth Gaskell to her friend Eliza Fox, 1852

Elizabeth Gaskell was a modern woman in many ways. She managed a hugely successful writing career, was a hands-on mother to four girls and supported her husband’s work. But what was life really like at home in 84 Plymouth Grove? Take a look behind closed doors at the family and personal life of one of our greatest novelists. How did she mix writing classic works with being a conscientious mother, managing servants, acting as hostess to numerous high profile guests, charity work and a busy social life, all in an age before easily-available paid childcare? Chair of the Gaskell Society, Dr Diane Duffy takes a peak inside Elizabeth Gaskell’s world for this special anniversary talk.

Book here https://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/events/at-home-with-elizabeth-gaskell/