At this event we celebrate an important figure in the history of The Portico Library and Manchester, Rev William Gaskell. Often overshadowed by his wife, the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, William made enormous contributions to the city as Unitarian Minister at Cross Street Chapel, Chair of English and History at New Manchester College and an ardent charity worker who was spurred by the dire poverty he witnessed in Manchester. Gaskell Society member, Marjorie Darlington, will deliver an illuminating lecture on Gaskell, one of Manchester’s key historical figures in his own right. The lecture will be followed by a reading of William Gaskell’s poetry by poet and Chair of The Portico’s Book Committee, Sheila Wild.

Booking details on the website