THEIR STORIES

Everyone has a story

Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, we aim to illuminate the nuances and complexities of experiences of Anne Lister and her contemporaries, offering a deeper understanding of the historical context and personal dynamics beyond what's documented in Lister's journals.

These longer articles are crafted to not only inform but also engage and inspire curiosity about the past. We invite you to immerse yourself in these stories, discovering the fascinating details and broader implications of their lives and times!


Share your research

If you have a topic, event, or story you'd like to explore in an article format to be published here, please get in touch!

Walker Lunacy Commission
by Marlene Oliveira, Jude Dobson, and Lívia Labate

Summary and timeline of events describing the process that removed Ann Walker from Shibden Hall.

Horncastle vs Walker
by Marlene Oliveira, Lívia Labate, and Jude Dobson

Summary and timeline of events describing a land aquisition from Mr Charles Horncastle, which later progressed into a legal matter.

Mauléon 1838: Anne Is Mistaken For A Man
by Marlene Oliveira, Pauline M., Lívia LabateMarlene Oliveira, Pauline M, and Lívia bat

Summary and timeline of events describing Anne Lister addressing 'detestable falsehoods' during a stop in Mauléon with Ann Walker

Anne's Rush to Leave in 1839
by Marlene Oliveira and Lívia Labate

Summary and timeline of events describing how Anne Lister protected Ann Walker one last time by getting her to go abroad at a tumultuous time.

27 Rue St. Victor: Anne Lister's Paris Apartment
by Marlene Oliveira, Pauline M., Lívia Labate

This article explores how Anne came to choose her Paris apartments, how she used them over her different visits, and what we know today about their locations.

Where is Anne Lister?
by Marlene Oliveira, Shantel Smith, Amanda Pryce, Steph Gallaway, Lívia Labate, Jude Dobson

This article explores how the history of the Lister family intersects to that of the Halifax Minster and offers options to possible locations of Anne Lister's grave.

This article explores Anne Lister's and Ann Walker's interactions with the College of Arms and provides information about their coats of arms.

Image of a group of people crossing the Mer de Glace in 1900 using poles. Behind is a mountain range covered in snow

You may know Anne Lister for her journals, her love life, and her connection to Shibden Hall in Halifax. However, you may not know that she was also an accomplished mountaineer, climber, and hiker. 

Christmas with Anne Lister
by Jessica Lowther-Payne

What can Anne’s journals tell us about Christmas during the early 19th century? Were there any traditions observed that we might recognise today?

a snowy mountain

Anne Lister's ascent of Mt. Vignemale
by Marlene Oliveira and Amanda Pryce

In August 1838, Anne Lister undertook the most consequential climb of her career as a mountaineer. Mt. Vignemale, previously thought to be inaccessible from the French side of the border, was the stage of a rush to the summit between Anne and the Prince de la Moscowa.

In this article we explore Anne Lister's and Ann Walker's decision-making process as they change their wills over the years to suit their needs and we also provide a few insights regarding some of the provisions included in these interesting legal documents. 

This piece is a brief overview of the Shibden Estate coal mines, with emphasis on the two pits that feature prominently in Anne Lister’s journal: the Walker Pit and Listerwick Pit.

An overview of Anne's travels around Buxton and the Peak District, featuring travel maps. This work also includes details about Anne's travels with Mariana Lawton around this area in 1825.

a mountain landscape showing stony brown strata interspersed with vegetation and clouds descending on it

In the spring of 1830, Anne started to think about a trip to the Pyrenees, which she debated undertaking with Lady Stuart de Rothesay as her companion. Unbeknownst to her, this would lead her to yet another impressive achievement in her career as a mountaineer: the ascent of Mont Perdu.

In November 1824, Anne Lister consulted a renowned Parisian surgeon, Guillaume Dupuytren, hoping to cure a venereal disease. This kind of visit – and examination – was one that most 19th-century women were reluctant to undergo.

In Paris under Louis XVIII and Charles X, Anne Lister rarely missed an opportunity to see the French Royal family, in turmoil since the Revolution of 1789. She was struck by the tragic fate of their ancestor Marie-Antoinette and followed the misadventures of the rebellious Duchess de Berry under Louis-Philippe.

In July 1830, Anne Lister set off for a trip to the south of France with Lady Stuart de Rothesay, the wife of the English ambassador in Paris. However, she was soon overtaken by the echoes of a new French revolution.  

Anne’s two surviving music books tell us that she was a very proficient keyboard player with an eclectic taste in repertoire. Her journals also tell us that she sang and played the flute but how, where, and from whom did she gain her knowledge? 

In Paris, Anne was impressed by the private art collection of the Baron Denon, former director of the Louvre, close to Napoléon. But through the confidences of Maria Barlow and Lady Stuart de Rothesay, she discovered how he also used his influence to prey on women.

Share your research

Have a topic, event, or story you'd like to explore in an article format to be published here?