Elizabeth Gaskell Bi-Centenary

2010 is the 200th anniversary of Elizabeth Gaskell’s birth. Celebrating in style Cheshire and Manchester will be host to a year-long program of enticing events.

Fans of Cranford and Wives and Daughters can experience Knutsford, the beautiful market town famous for its Italianate architecture, diverse range of independent shops and sumptuous restaurants.

Knutsford was also the home of the young Elizabeth Gaskell and her inspiration for Cranford. During 2010 Knutsford will host a variety of fascinating events including 'Cranford Guided Tours', 'Brook Street Chapel Flower Festival', the 'Victorian Music Hall' at Knutsford Little Theatre, 'Royal May Day Weekend' and the 'Local Trade and Business's Exhibition 1810-1865' at the Knutsford Heritage Centre.

Also, don’t miss Tatton Park where you can learn about Elizabeth’s Cheshire and her visits to Capesthorne Hall, meeting Charlotte Bronte for the first time and visits to Tabley House.

In the Spring 2010, 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, home of Elizabeth Gaskell from 1850-1865, will re-open its doors following a refurbishment to the exterior of the building. Number 84 Plymouth Grove welcomed many eminent visitors including Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte.

Married to the Minister of the Cross Street Chapel, Elizabeth had first-hand experience of Manchester life and courageously exposed its realities in Mary Barton and North and South.

During 2010 the John Rylands Library and historic Portico Library will host a variety of engaging events including an 'Elizabeth Gaskell Exhibition', talks and reading and 'Elegant Economy' and 'Clothes of Cranford' by the History Wardrobe Theatre.

Upcoming Events:

For details about all the events taking place as part of the Bi-Centenary please click on the 'What's Nearby' tab.

Venue

North West Food Lovers Festival Tatton Park, Knutsford

RHS Show and Floral Walk, Knutsford

Tatton Park Biennial 2010, Knutsford

Elizabeth Gaskell's Life - Trades and Businesses 1810 - 1865, Knutsford

Elizabeth Gaskell and the Doctor, Wilmslow

Knutsford Gallery Walk, Knutsford

Elizabeth Gaskell Bi-Centenary, Knutsford

Knutsford Great Race 2010, Knutsford

Knutsford Literature Festival, Knutsford

Lions Cranford Street Fayre, Knutsford

Elizabeth Gaskell - A Writer's Life, Cheshire

Launch of Alan Shelston's biography, Brief Lives: Elizabeth Gaskell, Cheshire

Elizabeth Gaskell & Charlotte Bronte; a costumed reading, Cheshire

Guided Walk to Tabley Old Hall, Knutsford

Elizabeth Gaskell Walking & Rail Tour, Cheshire

Royal May Day Weekend, Knutsford

Flower Festival & Victorian Victuals, Knutsford

Dear Scheherazade by Gabrielle Drake, Cheshire

Discover Knutsford's Cranford Days, Knutsford

Elizabeth Gaskell's Cheshire Exhibition, Knutsford

The Illustrated Gaskell Exhibition, Knutsford

A Gaskell Celebration, Knutsford

Dedication of Gaskell window at Poets Corner, Cheshire

Elizabeth Gaskell's Birthday Celebration, Knutsford

Service Commemorating Mrs Gaskell's 200th Birth Anniversary, Knutsford

Old Time Music Hall, Knutsford

Talk and Tour - Elizabeth Gaskell's Cheshire, Knutsford

Lunchtime Lecture: Elizabeth Gaskell and the 19th century novel, Knutsford

Victorian Christmas Concert by OPUS 5, Knutsford

Dates

Year long celebration 1 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010

Events