Elizabeth Gaskell manuscripts and correspondence

Scope and Content

A significant collection of material relating to Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (ECG). The collection includes a nearly complete manuscript draft for ECG's novel 'Sylvia's Lovers', several manuscript fragments, a diary written during her daughter Marianne's infancy, a substantial series of letters written by ECG, with copies of some sent to her, family history documents and a large series of research material.

The collection is arranged by document type, and listed to item level where possible, with individual letters having separate descriptions.

Much of the material in the collection has previously been published. Where publication is known, details are given in the catalogue description.

Access Information

This collection is currently being worked on by the Special Collections team and therefore may not always be readily available for users to consult. Please contact staff in advance if you would like to access the material.