#AnneLister181 Celebrating Her Legacy

Wednesday September 22nd 2021 marks 181 years since the death of Anne Lister of Shibden Hall, Halifax, Yorkshire.

Anne, who lived from 1791 to 1840, was a remarkable woman: landowner, entrepreneur, mountaineer, scholar, traveller, and lesbian. Her fascinating diaries of over five million words detailed her life, loves, health, business interests and politics. Her journals are so historically significant they have been inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Anne Lister’s story now inspires people across the globe, following the international success of Sally Wainwright’s BBC/HBO TV show ‘Gentleman Jack’, which is based on Anne’s life and diaries, and was filmed here in Calderdale.

Wednesday 22nd September (anniversary of Anne Lister’s death)

10am-4pm: Libraries and learning were important to Anne. There will be a display on the ground floor of Halifax Central Library and Archives showcasing Anne Lister’s love of books.

10am-4pm: Display of items related to Anne Lister in the cases on the 1st floor of Halifax Central Library and Archives.  This includes letters from both Ann Walker and Anne Lister as well as one of Anne’s notebooks in which she details various treatments for ailments.  Also, an original diary will be out in this display case so visitors will be able to see one of Anne’s diaries in person.

10am-8pm: The atmospheric 900-year-old Halifax Minster was an important building to Anne and her faith in God was central to her life. She was baptised, worshipped and was buried there. Halifax Minster will be open for day of quiet reflection, including lighting of candles at high altar, laying of flowers, leaving prayers/messages etc.  Rev Jane Finn will be present to speak to visitors and refreshments will be available.

Thursday 23rd September

10am-4pm: Display on the ground floor of Halifax Central Library and Archives showcasing Anne Lister’s love of books.

10am-4pm: Display of items related to Anne Lister in the cases on the 1st floor of the Halifax Central Library and Archives. This includes letters from both Ann Walker and Anne Lister as well as one of Anne’s notebooks in which she details various treatments for ailments.  Also, an original diary will be out in this display case so visitors will be able to see one of Anne’s diaries in person.

10am-4pm: Way of the Setts Pilgrimage Walk & Picnic, led by Rev Jane Finn.  Starts inside Halifax Minster, progresses up Old Bank to Shibden, returns to Halifax Minster in the afternoon – further details here (half way down the page, under ‘Anne Lister Memorial Week’) and book your FREE place at this event here: Anne Lister Pilgrimage Tickets.

10am-4pm: Halifax Minster open for day of quiet reflection.  Refreshments available.

Friday 24th September

10am-4pm: Display on the ground floor of Halifax Central Library and Archives showcasing Anne Lister’s love of books.

10am-4pm: A display of items related to Anne Lister in the cases on the 1st floor of the Halifax Central Library and Archives.  This includes letters from both Ann Walker and Anne Lister as well as one of Anne’s notebooks in which she details various treatments for ailments.  Also, an original diary will be out in this display case so visitors will be able to see one of Anne’s diaries in person.

10am-4pm: Halifax Minster is open for day of quiet reflection.  Refreshments available.

11am-12pm: Book launch of Janet Lea’s ‘The Gentleman Jack Effect’ at The Book Corner, Piece Hall

1pm-3pm: The Gentleman Jack Effect: In conversation with Helena Whitbread, Jill Liddington and Janet Lea – talk and Q&A at the Red Brick auditorium Square Chapel. Tickets are free, but booking is required. To register your free place click here.

7pm-9pm: A Formal memorial service takes place at Halifax Minster at 7pm. For full details and to register your free place click here: Anne Lister Memorial Service Tickets

Saturday 25th September

10am-4pm: Anne Lister and Friends Pop-up Performance in The Piece Hall court yard. (actors’ walkabout)

10am-4pm: Display on the ground floor of Halifax Central Library and Archives showcasing Anne Lister’s love of books.

10am-4pm: Display of items related to Anne Lister in the cases on the 1st floor of the Halifax Central Library and Archives.  This includes letters from both Ann Walker and Anne Lister as well as one of Anne’s notebooks in which she details various treatments for ailments.  Also, a reproduction of one of Anne’s diaries will be out in this display case for visitors to see.

10am-4pm: Halifax Minster open for day of quiet reflection.  Refreshments available.

10am-5pm: Children’s Anne Lister themed activity trail available from The Piece Hall Visitor Centre.

2.00pm-4.30pm: Calderdale Heritage Walks: Anne Lister’s Shibden: Marriage, mining and money walk, led by Jill Liddington – details & booking here. NB AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS WALK HAS SOLD OUT.

Sunday 26th September

10am-4pm: Halifax Minster open for day of quiet reflection. Refreshments available.

So thank you, Anne Lister, for everything you have given us. Your life was not long, but it was full. It was courageous, inspirational, and meaningful. We look forward to commemorating and celebrating your life and legacy together, with our friends across the globe.

You can read more about Anne Lister and Gentleman Jack in our Gentleman Jack pages.