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If you’ve ever meant to read Elizabeth Gaskell but never quite got round to it, you’re not alone. A new exhibition at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House reveals that around half of its visitors admit the same. This autumn, the house invites everyone to put that right in the most charming way imaginable.
As part of this year’s Manchester Literature Festival, visitors can book a special ticket that includes a literary lucky dip: a mystery edition of one of Gaskell’s novels, wrapped in brown paper and ready to take home. For £13.50, guests can explore the Grade II* listed house and leave with a surprise copy of North and South, Cranford, Mary Barton, or another classic - a fitting keepsake from a city that shaped Gaskell’s stories and social conscience.
The initiative - in a house that is alive with stories - ties in with I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell, a vivid, contemporary exhibition running throughout the property. Three young writers-in-residence — Georgia Affonso, Princess Arinola Adegbite, and Guruleen Kahlo - have each encountered Gaskell’s writing for the first time, responding with new pieces inspired by her life, activism and storytelling.
Their words are woven through the rooms where Gaskell once entertained the likes of Charles Dickens and Charlotte Brontë, alongside historical artefacts that sparked their creativity. QR codes dotted throughout the exhibition connect visitors directly to the writers’ work - turning a Victorian home into an interactive, living dialogue between past and present.
“Visitors are drawn by Elizabeth’s fascinating life story as a changemaker within Victorian society and the chance to explore Manchester’s only literary house,” says Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd, Director of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. “We thought this was the perfect opportunity to offer an introduction to her novels. With our special ticket, visitors can now enjoy both.”
Built between 1835 and 1841, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is a rare surviving example of a suburban villa. Gaskell lived here with her family from 1850 until her death in 1865, and her daughters remained until 1913.
By the late 20th century, the house had fallen into disrepair - but a group of determined locals formed the Manchester Historic Buildings Trust in 1998 with the aim of saving it. Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other charitable trusts, the property reopened to the public in 2014. Today, it’s an independent charity that receives no regular council or government funding, relying on admissions, events, weddings and donations to stay open.
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The exhibition was developed in partnership with The Writing Squad, a Northern initiative nurturing emerging writers aged 16–22. Founded in 2001 and funded by Arts Council England, The Squad’s free two-year programme offers workshops and one-to-one support for young writers across the North.
So far, the Squad has worked with 277 writers, many of whom have gone on to become leading voices in literature and theatre — including playwright Chris Bush and author Saba Sams (Send Nudes). Around 20% of alumni now make their living in the cultural industries, while many more are steadily building their names as published, performed, or produced writers.
The Squad will next recruit for its two-year programme between January and March 2027 — a timely reminder of the vibrant literary talent emerging from the North.
Suggested image caption: Writers-in-residence Georgia Affonso, Princess Arinola Adegbite, and Guruleen Kahlo brought Gaskell’s work to life for a new generation.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Writing Squad, and Manchester City of Literature, I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell transforms a Victorian landmark into something fresh, curious, and alive.
Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or discovering Gaskell for the first time, there’s something quietly magical about exploring the rooms she once called home — surrounded by the stories she told, and those still being written today.
The property is open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. More info HERE
