Shibden Hall Halifax - Home of Anne Lister

Images of Britain: Shibden Hall, Halifax

Shibden Hall just outside Halifax in Shibden Park dates back to the 15th century and was the home of Anne Lister (1791-1840), whose detailed diaries offer an important glimpse into the social and cultural life of the period. The hall is now a museum featuring period rooms, exhibits, and beautiful gardens. Lister added a Gothic tower to the main house in 1838 which became her private library.

Lister, who was both baptized and buried in Halifax Minster, inherited Shibden Hall from her uncle in 1826. The Lister family were wealthy mill owners and cloth merchants in the area.

Anne kept extensive diaries spanning over four million words, partly written in a secret code she devised. These writings document her business dealings, intellectual pursuits, and detailed accounts of her romantic relationships with women, offering a rare and candid insight into same-sex relationships in the Georgian era.

An ambitious and independent woman, Lister travelled widely across Europe and was known for her distinctive dress and assertive manner, earning her the nickname "Gentleman Jack." In 1834, she and her partner, Ann Walker, exchanged vows and considered themselves married - a bold act for their time. She died in while traveling in the Caucasus in what is now Georgia.

Her legacy lives on through her diaries, now recognised by UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, and through renewed public interest following the BBC/HBO drama Gentleman Jack.

Halifax's spacious Shibden Park. — The boating lake at Shibden Park

Shibden Park contains a boating lake, fruit garden, miniature raliway and cafe. It is a 30 minute walk from Halifax Station or take a 548 or 549 bus from Halifax Bus Station.

Address: Lister's Road, Halifax HX3 6XG.