📣New Article: The Walkers Buried in Halifax Minster
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!
If you have a topic, event, or story you'd like to explore in an article format to be published here, see how to get involved!
This article discusses Walker family burials that happened at the Halifax Parish Church. It identifies the graves belonging to these Walkers, as well as the occupiers of said graves.
Published on 31 October, 2025
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.
Published on 15 December, 2020 · Last updated on 16 January, 2024
This article explores Anne Lister's and Ann Walker's interactions with the College of Arms and provides information about their coats of arms.
Published on 18 December, 2020 · Last updated on 28 August, 2025
Anne Lister was a curious child with varied interests. Keen on learning the ins and outs of farming and an avid reader and book collector, the young Miss Lister quickly learned to love the pursuit of knowledge. In this article we look at the early years of Miss Lister’s education and how her schools and private tutors contributed to her lifelong love of learning.
Published on 26 March 2025
In 1829, Anne Lister started to attend scientific lectures in Paris and soon felt that she needed help to understand Anatomy. In 1830, she started to take private lessons in Anatomy and also dissecting specimens with a medical student. This article reveals the identity of the student who played an important role in Lister’s education and her lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Published on 5 February, 2025
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.
Published on 7 November, 2024
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?
Published on 4 October, 2024 · Last updated on 14 October, 2024
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.
Published on 20 September, 2024
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.
Published on 1 July, 2024
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.
Published on 24 January, 2024
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.
Published on 26 August, 2023 · Last updated on 26 August, 2023
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.
Published on 20 November 2021 · Last updated on 2 June 2023
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.
Published on 22 February, 2023 · Last updated on 01 June, 2023
Summary and timeline of events describing Anne Lister addressing 'detestable falsehoods' during a stop in Mauléon with Ann Walker.
Published on 7 April, 2020 · Last updated on 24 April 2023
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.
Published on 7 August 2021 · Last updated on 16 May, 2023
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.
Published 20 December 2021
What can Anne’s journals tell us about Christmas during the early 19th century? Were there any traditions observed that we might recognise today?
Published on 24 December, 2020
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.
Published on 20 December 2020
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.
Published on 16 October, 2020 · Last updated on 16 October, 2020
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.
Published on 30 March, 2020 · Last updated on 30 March, 2020
Summary and timeline of events describing the process that removed Ann Walker from Shibden Hall.
Published on 4 January, 2020 · Last updated on 4 August, 2021
Summary and timeline of events describing a land aquisition from Mr Charles Horncastle, which later progressed into a legal matter.
Published on 2 January, 2020 · Last updated on 4 February, 2020
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