As part of the 10 year anniversary celebrations of the opening of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, we’re bringing Manchester’s literary heritage to life with a special online tour by the ‘House Detective’ Frank Galvin MBE.

Using 360-degree photography our expert guide reveals the true story of restoring Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. This unique tour will explore how the House was brought back from the brink by expert skills and exacting historic research, all brought to you by one of the key figures leading the restoration.

From the Morning Room and Study, to the Drawing and Dining Rooms, you’ll learn about the stories behind this beautiful Victorian villa; where Elizabeth wrote her famous novels and celebrity visitors to the House included Charlotte Brontë and Charles Dickens.

Your tour will focus on how the House was restored and why certain furnishings and decor were chosen.

This tour is a must for literary and Elizabeth Gaskell fans!

Frank Galvin joined the Elizabeth Gaskell’s House team just before the second phase of the restoration work. In his career Frank was a museum curator, and took on the role of curatorial advisor alongside others. He was on site daily and could often be spotted in his blue hard hat. Frank later joined the Board and became Chair from 2015-2022. He continues to volunteer with practical maintenance jobs, as a tour guide and was the accreditation mentor for the House’s successful application to become an Accredited Museum in 2024.

‘A fabulous experience which has stimulated my research’

‘Wonderful personal details’