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Introduction
About the Society September 29th, 1985, the 175th Anniversary of Elizabeth Gaskell's birth was commemorated in Knutsford, Cheshire, by a literary lunch and other events which led to the formation of the Gaskell Society (Registered Charity No 1098017). Although the Society has no building as headquarters, its centre is Knutsford, with its many Gaskell associations, as Cranford and Hollingford in Wives and Daughters. Here she spent a happy childhood, was married at the Parish Church and is buried in the three-hundred-year-old Brook Street Chapel's graveyard, with her husband William. Two of her unmarried daughters and a number of her ancestors are also buried there.
The Society hold its AGM in Manchester in March. The Society also holds a special Autumn meeting in September in Knutsford.
Aims of the Society The Society's objects are to promote and encourage the study and appreciation of the work and life of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865). To record sources of information about the work of Elizabeth Gaskell and any other material relating to her life, family, work and memory. To foster and stimulate an understanding of her work and life by other means. To arrange visits to places associated with her or her books. To encourage republication of her work. To promote and support special projects relating to her life and work at suitable times. To co-operate with other societies having an interest in Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell and her times. Gaskell Discussion Group Is an e-mail discussion list to connect society members and anyone interested in the life and works of Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865). Those of you interested in related fields - for example, Dickens, the Brontës, industrial novels, Victorian family issues, are invited to join this list and contribute your notices, inquiries and information. How to subscribe to the Gaskell discussion group On the Internet, go to http://mailman.creighton.edu Scroll down through the lengthy list of lists to "gaskell-l" and click on that name. Then follow the simple instructions to subscribe. General queries can be sent to Mary H. Kuhlman, Dept of English, Creighton University, Omaha NE 68178, USA. 84 Plymouth Grove The Society is also very pleased to be connected with 84 Plymouth Grove in Manchester, the home of the Gaskells from 1850 until Meta Gaskell's death in 1913. It was there that Elizabeth wrote most of her novels, met many celebrated personalities and enjoyed such an interesting life with her family. The Friends of Plymouth Grove are a charitable organisation, who, in order to raise funds to preserve and restore this famous house, host a number of fascinating events, open to both members and public alike. Details of forthcoming meetings, updates on the house and lots of further information can be found on their new website (still under construction). Go to www.elizabethgaskellhouse.org to find out more and help celebrate such an important home. Latest News & Events The Gaskell Society See Meetings & Events for further forthcoming events. Help! Does anyone have a video recording of the BBC edition of Elizabeth Gaskell's novella Cousin Phillis which was broadcast in 4 parts in 1982. If you do have a copy that you could lend or sell to the Gaskell Society, then please contact us by either emailing enquiries@gaskellsociety.co.uk or by telephoning Judith Rees on 0161 941 3001. Cranford Dame Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis, Julia McKenzie and Jim Carter return in the popular award-winning BBC One drama about the lives of the people of Cranford, in a two-part special for Christmas 2009. Fresh from four BAFTA Television nominations, seven BAFTA Craft nominations and six Broadcasting Press Guild nominations, as well as the TRIC Award 2007 for Best Drama Programme earlier this year and the RTS Award for Best Writer, the two-part special will be produced by co-creator Sue Birtwistle (Pride And Prejudice), directed by Simon Curtis (Five Days, Freezing) and written by Heidi Thomas (Ballet Shoes, Lilies). A DVD of the 2007 BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford is available in the shops and contains a section on "The Making of Cranford" 2010 is the bicentenary year of the birth of Elizabeth Gaskell. To commemorate this very special year, the Gaskell Society is planning a series of special events. The Society will be hosting the Alliance of Literary Society Annual General Meeting and there will possibly be a Gaskell Conference taking place in Belgium. The Secretary of the Gaskell Society, Joan Leach M.B.E is also hoping to publish a commemorative booklet Mrs Gaskell and Cheshire. Brook Street Unitarian Chapel The highly successful fund raising concert A Cocktail of Music with a touch of Gaskell recently performed by Opus 5 raised over £1600 to help towards improving the access to the Brook St. Heritage site at Brook St. Chapel, Knutsford, the burial place of Elizabeth and William Gaskell. The Chapel Is being promoted in a regional tourist campaign. Brook St Chapel has a fascinating history and is already something of a place of pilgramage for fans of the novel Cranford and of Elizabeth Gaskell's other novels. 84 Plymouth Grove where she wrote most of her novels was opened during the winter months due to demand from fans. Knutsford library reported that there had been a surge of people borrowing copies of Cranford following the success of the BBC period drama. Brook Street is currently having a dedicated website designed which should be finished before Christmas. Go to www.brookstreetchapel.org to take a look. The Friends of Whitworth Park |
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Elzabeth Gaskell by Wiilliam John Thomson, of Edinburgh, 1832
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A sample of Gaskell's handwriting
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Gaskell's birthplace
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The Gaskell Grave,
Brook St Chapel, Knutsford |
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Image from "Cranford" BBC 2007
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Knutsford
A History by Joan Leach We are both pleased and proud to introduce a long awaited history of Knutsford by our Honorary Secretary and Founder of the Gaskell Society, Joan Leach MBE This is a really readable and beautifully illustrated history of a small country town, that is sure to appeal to both local historians and Gaskell devotees alike. Using her extensive knowledge of the area, Joan traces the story of the town from its earliest days when it was mentioned as Cunetesford in the Domesday Book, through to its “Cranford Days” and right up to the present time. Joan tells us of the many old customs which still remain, linking us to the world of Miss Matty and her friends A delightful read and especially timely, coming out when there is renewed interest in Cranford following the recent production. on B.B.C. Television. The book is published by Phillimore and costs £15 99 in hardback. It may be obtained at Waterstones in Knutsford, the Knutsford Heritage Centre or it can be ordered at any good book-shop. |
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Last updated 18/11/2008
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for general enquiries click below
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The Gaskell Society. Registered Charity No 1098017
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Some of the Manchester images reproduced on this site are courtesy of Manchester Central Library's Local Studies Unit.
For which we thank them. Click here to visit their colllection. |
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