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The house will be closed until further notice for the first phase of the renovation. Visit the Gaskells' House website for up to date information on the restoration and forthcoming events.

Further information is available from Janet Allan
10 Dale Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire SK22 4NW
Telephone/fax 01663 744233
Email janetrallan@googlemail.com

The Gaskells' House,
84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester

In the North West of England, outside the Lake District, 84 Plymouth Grove is a building of literary significance second only to the Brontë Parsonage at Haworth; it is therefore of international, national and local importance. It is one of very few Regency-style Villas left in Manchester, and has many original features and beautiful public rooms.

Importance of the Building
84 Plymouth Grove is a Grade II* detached Regency-style Villa built in the 1830’s. It is a rare survival of its type, being complete in nearly all its internal features in the main rooms and with an exterior which has been little changed. As a grade II* it is among the top 7% of buildings in this country. Architecturally it has a special significance to Manchester as it is one of the few surviving houses of its type in the area.

Importance of its Literary Associations
As the home of Elizabeth Gaskell the novelist from 1850-65, and of her family unti1 1913, the house has very important literary associations, not only with her own work (most of which was written during that period), but because of the other writers who visited her there, including Charles Dickens and Charlotte Brontë.

Future uses of the building
The main reception rooms will be open to the public and used for lectures, exhibitions and seminars. Once restored, the building must be self-financing, so other parts will be let to provide the necessary income. We have already had approaches from two organisations who are interested in using it when completed.

Manchester Historic Buildings Trust
Manchester Historic Buildings Trust, through partnerships with others, is working on the restoration of the building which will act as a flagship for the regeneration of a socially disadvantaged area, encourage the study of Elizabeth Gaskell's works and of Victorian Manchester, and have an economically viable future.

The Trust has applied to the Heritage Lottery for £1,000,000 to restore the house to its former glory and make it available for public, community and residential uses.

Company Number 3578992
Charity Number 1080606

Chairman: Janet Allan
10 Dale Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire SK22 4NW
Telephone/fax 01663 744233
Email janetrallan@googlemail.com

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Gaskell House

You can help by joining the Friends of 84 Plymouth Grove. We need help with the house, with our plans for the future and with fundraising. You will get news of progress and special events. To become a Friend
and help with a donation click below to download a form in Adobe pdf format.
Print it off, fill it in and send it to us. Help us do something special!

The Drawing Room 1897

The house 1913

84 Plymouth Grove 1959