Gaskell Memorial Tower and King's Coffee House

The Gaskell Memorial Tower and King's Coffee House are in King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire, England. As originally built, it had the triple function of being council offices, a coffee house, and a memorial to the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, a former resident of the town who is often known as Mrs Gaskell. The building was designed by Richard Harding Watt with assistance from W. Longworth, and was opened in 1907. Its design incorporates features of many styles of architecture, and has not been praised by all critics. Incorporated on the tower are two depictions of Mrs Gaskell, a stone bust and a bronze relief. The building is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building. The building is owned by Knutsford Town Council but since the early 1970s it has been used as a restaurant.