Elizabeth Gaskell's Knutsford
Did you know Victorian author, Elizabeth Gaskell, was brought up in Knutsford?
It's a town which she loved, and whose people and places provided inspiration for many locations and characters in her books.
Her 'Cranford' series was based on life in Knutsford, and today, visitors can still enjoy a stay at 'The Angel' or wander under the archway of 'The George'.
Elizabeth Gaskell was also married in Knutsford, is laid to rest in the grounds of the local chapel, and there are now streets and landmarks dedicated to the town's famous writer.
If you wish to take a tour of Elizabeth Gaskell's Knutsford, here are some of the best spots to look for:
Elizabeth Gaskell's Knutsford Home
At 13 months old, Elizabeth Gaskell was sent to live in Knutsford with her Aunt, Hannah Lumb, following the death of her mother.
Her childhood home is situated on Gaskell Avenue, just a short walk from the town centre and overlooking Knutsford Heath which features in her books.
This lovely Grade II listed Georgian townhouse is still a personal residence today, so please be respectful if you wish to view the property from the outside.
Locations & Characters
Knutsford provided the inspiration for many locations and characters which feature in Elizabeth Gaskell's writing. Most famously 'Cranford' which she wrote as a series of short stories before they were later published as a novel. A BBC adaptation in 2007 helped introduce the writer and her characters to a new audience.
Fancy a drink where Lord Mauleverer stayed when visiting Captain Brown? Head to The Angel on King Street. It remains a hotel today with bedrooms overlooking the town centre, plus a traditional ground floor bar area for dining and drinking.
A little further toward Tatton Park, the white building of The Old Vicarage inspired the Matty family home. Interestingly, the building has further literary connections as Alison Uttley, author of Little Grey Rabbit, lived here around 1910.
Back in the opposite direction, look for the black & white arch of The Royal George building. Here is where the Cranford Assembly Rooms were used for dancing and card games, and where the Cranford ladies witnessed Signor Brunoni perform his magic.
Unfortunately, the rooms are not currently accessible. However, you can enjoy a meal in The Smokehouse & Cellar restaurant housed on the ground floor of the building.
If you wander under The Royal George arch and follow the cobbles toward Princess Street, you'll see the building of TG Jones. The blue plaque on the right of the doorway states this 3-storey property was the fictional home of Cranford character, Miss Matty.
Married Life
Take a stroll along Princess Street to Toft Road, and you'll reach St John's Parish Church. This is where Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson married William Gaskell on 30th August 1832.
If you visit between 9am-2pm Tuesday-Thursday, head inside to enjoy tea & cake in the church cafe and see where Elizabeth became Mrs Gaskell.
Adjacent to the churchyard, the distinctive building of Hollingford House was the home of Elizabeth Gaskell's uncle, Dr Peter Holland.
Hollingford House appears in the novel 'Wives & Daughters' as the home of Dr Gibson. Now a gorgeous interior store, Arthur Lee, it's the perfect place for a browse. If the owners are in, ask them about the Elizabeth Gaskell links, they'll gladly tell you more.
Final Resting Place
Turning left at the station on Toft Road and down Adam's Hill, will bring you to Brook Street Chapel on your right. This is where Elizabeth Gaskell is laid to rest alongside her husband, William Gaskell, a Unitarian minister.
The chapel's exhibition rooms provide more information on the writer and her links with Knutsford. Visit the Brook Street Chapel website for opening hours: brookstreetchapel.org
Gaskell Memorial Tower
A visit to Elizabeth Gaskell's Knutsford wouldn't be complete without seeing the iconic Gaskell Memorial Tower on King Street.
Designed by local glove merchant and designer, Richard Harding Watt, the tower was erected in 1907 as a tribute to Elizabeth Gaskell, and has become a well recognised landmark within the town.
Hint: look for the list of Elizabeth Gaskell's works which are carved on the right-hand side of the tower
Whether you're a fan of her books or loved the 'Cranford' TV series, a trip to the town which inspired some of Elizabeth Gaskell's most popular work is a wonderful way to learn about the writer and her links with Knutsford.
You can explore the town yourself, or if you'd prefer a guided tour, Knutsford Heritage Centre offer walking and virtual 'Cranford & Mrs Gaskell' tours. Visit their website for further details: www.knutsfordheritage.co.uk/walks-and-talks
