Art and Literature in Cheshire Peak District

Famous for its literary associations. Visit the church that commemorates its village’s association with one of Britain’s most famous writers and discover an ancient house that has links to England’s greatest playwrite!

Knutsford, a pretty, prosperous Cheshire town is the burial place of the great 19th century writer Elizabeth Gaskell.  The town was depicted as Hollingford in the novel Wives and Daughters and as Cranford in the book of the same name.  Enjoy a stroll around the narrow streets of this town and enjoy your lunch here – there are many fine places to eat, including traditional pubs, European style wine bars and top quality restaurants.

Just 20 minutes travelling time from Knutsford takes you to historic Gawsworth Hall, near Macclesfield.   This 15th century, traditionally built half-timbered house is said to have been the home of Mary Fitton, the supposed ‘Dark Lady’ of Shakespeare’s sonnets. It is also possible that the great poet himself, visited Gawsworth as he travelled north to Lancashire.

Gawsworth Hall today is a beautiful example of how Cheshire ancient heritage lives on, as the house is still a much loved family home.  On a tour of Gawsworth’s historic rooms, you will see fine paintings, furniture, sculpture and stained glass.