84 Plymouth Grove

84 Plymouth Grove is a neoclassical villa containing approximately 20 rooms spread across two floors, with a front entrance decorated with distinctive columns. The building preserves period furnishings and objects that belonged to its most famous resident, offering a clear picture of Victorian domestic life.

The building was constructed in 1838 and became a residence in 1850, housing a prominent novelist until her death in the 1860s. During those decades, it evolved into a notable center for literary and social discussions of the Victorian era.

The house served as a gathering place where writers and thinkers from across England met and exchanged ideas in the family's rooms. Visitors can still experience these spaces today and sense how Victorian intellectual life unfolded within these walls.

The house is well maintained and most rooms are open to visitors, allowing time for a thorough exploration of the different areas. Descriptive information is posted throughout the building to help orient visitors and explain the significance of each space.

The property was largely self-sufficient and the grounds housed livestock including chickens, pigs, ducks, a pony, and a cow despite its central Manchester location. This arrangement was uncommon for a prosperous family living in a rapidly growing industrial city.

Location: Manchester

Inception: 1838

Architects: Richard Lane

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Website: http://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.46333,-2.21972

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03