MANCHESTER HISTORIC BUILDINGS TRUST
The current activity is the maintenance and operation as a heritage attraction of 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, the home of Mrs Elizabeth Gaskell. The house is open to the public and runs a programme of activities and events.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit on unrestricted general funds of £94,767 for the year ended October 31, 2024. Per the trustees' report, free reserves (general fund) stood at £73,352, which is above the stated minimum target of £70,000. The trustees consider the charity a going concern for at least 12 months but acknowledge the need to develop additional income sources for long-term sustainability.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees consider that the Charity will continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which these financial statements are approved, supported by detailed cash flow forecasts for the coming year. The Trustees recognise that additional income sources must be developed to ensure the museum can continue to operate beyond this period and work is being undertaken to achieve this.” — page 7
“Rent charged by the charity of £6,000 (2023 - £10,990) is eliminated on consolidation” — page 18
Property (HM Land Registry)
Trustees
- Alex Walkerchair
- Catherine Elizabeth Mackenzie
- Dr Diane Duffy
- Dr Emma Jane Liggins
- Hannah Jane Riches
- Jane Baxter
- Katharine Rodwell
- Liza Jane Leonard
- Madeleine Carnwath
- Rana Wulan Rofifah
- Rose Palmer
- Shanna Liane McGoldrick
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/10/2025 | £135k | £128k |
| 31/10/2024 | £111k | £218k |
| 31/10/2023 | £145k | £204k |
| 31/10/2022 | £189k | £188k |
| 31/10/2021 | £239k | £188k |
Common questions
Is MANCHESTER HISTORIC BUILDINGS TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit on unrestricted general funds of £94,767 for the year ended October 31, 2024. Per the trustees' report, free reserves (general fund) stood at £73,352, which is above the stated minimum target of £70,000. The trustees consider the charity a going concern for at least 12 months but acknowledge the need to develop additional income sources for long-term sustainability. Its FY2024 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds MANCHESTER HISTORIC BUILDINGS TRUST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name MANCHESTER HISTORIC BUILDINGS TRUST as a grant recipient include THE PILGRIM TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE PILGRIM TRUST | FY2025 | £13k | Urgent Repair Work at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House to protect interiors and collections. |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 20/03/2026 | £233k | "Elizabeth Gaskell’s House – Writing the Future" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 11/10/2024 | £33k | "10 Years of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House: Inaugural Writers Residency" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 03/08/2020 | £50k | "COVID19: Manchester Historic Buildings Trust" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 28/02/2019 | £10k | "Sharing Ruskin's legacy in Manchester at Elizabeth Gaskell's House" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 09/01/2019 | £79k | "Achieving long-term sustainability through increased commercial activity and enhanced skills at Elizabeth Gaskell's House" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 11/03/2010 | £2.0m | "The Gaskell House" |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 14/01/2010 | £10k | The Gaskell's House |