ANNE LISTER’S 230TH BIRTHDAY MARKED Hall honours legacy of pioneering scholar, traveller and landowner
AS TODAY marks the 230th birthday of one of Yorkshire’s most remarkable historical figures, online celebrations are in full swing.
Halifax’s Anne Lister of Shibden Hall was born on this day in 1791, and would go on to become the scholar, businesswoman, traveller, landowner – as well as the first modern lesbian – which she is still famed for more than two centuries on.
The hall is awaiting news on when it can reopen to the public after seeing visitor footfall triple since the airing of the BBC and HBO series, Gentleman Jack, based on Ms Lister’s diaries.
Calderdale Council’s Museums Service, which runs the hall, is planning on releasing new content and films on its social media platforms to celebrate Ms Lister’s life.
Later this year, the hall will celebrate its own milestone birthday, marking 600 years since its first documented reference. The museums service hopes to put on an exhibition of clothing and textiles from the period Anne Lister lived there, from 1815 until 1840 when she died.
Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Services, Zohrah Zancudi, 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.”
Filming for series two of Gentleman Jack, starring Suranne Jones, started in November, with a release date to be confirmed.
Ms Zancudi added: “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
Jack effect’ again.”
Her incredible story has inspired so many around the world. Zohrah Zancudi, Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Services