Anne Lister’s 230th birthday to connect thousands globally
ONLINE CELEBRATIONS for Anne Lister’s 230th birthday will connect thousands of people across the globe to the story of Halifax’s remarkable woman and her historic home.
On April 3, diarist Anne Lister of Shibden Hall, (17911840) would have been 230 years old. It’s also a landmark year for the historic hall, which has now reached its 600th birthday.
Whilst the Calderdale Council-run Shibden Hall will remain temporarily closed for Anne Lister’s birthday for the second year running due to COVID-19, the celebrations will be in full swing online.
The council’s Museums Service
“The beautiful Shibden Hall is a key part of Anne’s legacy”
will release exciting new content and films on social media this weekend.
Posts on @ShibdenHall on Twitter and the Shibden Hall Facebook page will mark the legacy of the scholar, traveller, lesbian, businesswoman and landowner, whose story became world-famous through Sally Wainwright’s BBC and HBO TV series, Gentleman Jack.
Links to other events in the region to celebrate Anne’s birthday and legacy will be shared over the Easter weekend, including a new podcast by Calderdale Libraries with three episodes about Anne Lister and Shibden Hall on Good Friday and Saturday April 3. The council’s commitment to sharing Anne’s story and harnessing the ‘Gentleman Jack effect’ has continued during the pandemic.
Zohrah Zancudi, Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Services, said: “Anne Lister and her incredible story have inspired so many people around the world. We are honoured to mark her 230th birthday to celebrate her life, legacy and impact. The beautiful Shibden Hall is a key part of Anne’s legacy, and we are excited to mark its 600th birthday as soon as possible. Although we can’t gather in person, the many fantastic online activities will open up both commemorations to a global audience.
“The phenomenal success of Gentleman Jack secured Calderdale’s place on the map as a major cultural, LGBTQ and heritage destination, leading to unprecedented visitor numbers to Shibden Hall and beyond. The impact of the first series, and the upcoming second series which is currently being filmed, will form part of our economic recovery from Covid-19 when it is safe to make the most of the ‘Gentleman Jack effect’ again.”
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