Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Tour
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Manchester has been producing radical individuals for centuries. The city has a large alumni of artists, activists and politicians who’ve made their way into the history books by thinking differently and speaking out. Explore the home of one of Manchester’s canonical authors in this guided tour of Elizabeth Gaskell’s house.
a story of 19th Century life from multiple perspectives
Experience the beautiful mid 19th Century house, while you learn about the servants who worked there, the family who lived there and the iconic literary works that were written there. It was while living in this house that Elizabeth wrote her most famous works such as Cranford and North and South. Like a well preserved time capsule, the house tells a story of 19th Century life from multiple perspectives. During the tour you’ll explore the house and gardens before enjoying refreshments in the ornate tea room.
If you’re keen to make a day of tours, it is only a short walk to the Pankhurst Centre. This heritage site of women’s suffrage is an iconic site of women’s activism. It is now also home to Manchester Women’s Aid, a charity that provides much needed services for domestic abuse survivors. You can see the building in which the first meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union took place.
Tours of Elizabeth Gaskell’s house last around two hours including refreshments. They’re led by knowledgeable and charismatic guides who’s passion for Ms Gaskell’s work is evident in their tour.
Booking ahead is essential. Tours run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and can accommodate a maximum group size of ten people. A hot drink and slice of cake is provided in the tea room during your visit.
