’of all the weary, killing wearing out bustles in this life that of the last week passed all belief’. Elizabeth Gaskell to her friend Eliza Fox, 1852

As part of the 10 year anniversary celebrations of the opening of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, we’re celebrating the home life of this incredible writer.

Elizabeth Gaskell was a modern woman in many ways. She managed a hugely successful writing career, was a hands-on mother to four girls and supported her husband’s work. But what was life really like at home in 84 Plymouth Grove?

Take a look behind closed doors at the family and personal life of one of our greatest novelists. How did she mix writing classic works with being a conscientious mother, managing servants, acting as hostess to numerous high profile guests, charity work and a busy social life, all in an age before easily-available paid childcare?

Chair of the Gaskell Society, Dr Diane Duffy takes a peak inside Elizabeth Gaskell’s world for this special anniversary talk.