How Anne Lister Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Anne Lister continue to shape the world today.

Anne Lister (1791-1840) was a Yorkshire landowner, diarist, and businesswoman. She is primarily known for her detailed diaries, which extensively document her lesbian relationships and sexual encounters. Lister's diaries, partially written in code, provide a unique and intimate glimpse into the life of a woman who defied societal norms in the early 19th century. Her openness about her sexuality and her pursuit of relationships with other women have led to her being considered an important figure in LGBTQ+ history. She managed her family's estate and coal interests, demonstrating her business acumen.

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Full Timeline Legacy & Impact

1933: John Lister's Death

In 1933, John Lister, the last inhabitant of Shibden Hall, died. He had deciphered Anne Lister's diaries with Arthur Burrell and chose to hide them rather than burn them, against Burrell's advice.

1988: Publication of Diaries

In 1988, Helena Whitbread published some of Anne Lister's diaries in a volume. The graphic nature of the diaries led some to initially believe they were a hoax.

1992: Second Volume of Diaries Published

In 1992, Helena Whitbread published a second volume of Anne Lister's diaries.

1994: Publication of Jill Liddington's Biography

In 1994, Jill Liddington's biography of Anne Lister was published.

1994: "A Marriage" Episode of 'A Skirt Through History'

In 1994, the first episode of the BBC Two series "A Skirt Through History", titled "A Marriage", featured Julia Ford as Anne Lister and Sophie Thursfield as Marianna Belcombe.

2000: Rediscovery of Tombstone

In 2000, Anne Lister's tombstone was rediscovered. It had been covered by a floor in Halifax Minster since 1879.

May 2010: BBC Two Broadcasts Production Based on Lister's Life

In May 2010, BBC Two broadcast "The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister", starring Maxine Peake. "Revealing Anne Lister", a documentary featuring Sue Perkins, was broadcast on the same night.

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2010: Publication of "The Early Life of Miss Anne Lister and the Curious Tale of Miss Eliza Raine"

In 2010, Patricia Hughes self-published "The Early Life of Miss Anne Lister and the Curious Tale of Miss Eliza Raine", which makes extensive use of materials in the Lister archives.

2011: Lister's Diaries Added to UNESCO Register

In 2011, Anne Lister's diaries were added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, recognized for their comprehensive and honest account of lesbian life and their impact on UK Gender Studies and Women's History.

2012: O'Hooley & Tidow Include Song About Anne Lister

In 2012, Chamber folk duo O'Hooley & Tidow included a song about Anne Lister, "Gentleman Jack", on their album "The Fragile".

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2013: Lister Described as "the first modern lesbian"

In a 2013 Journal of Lesbian Studies paper, Chris Roulston described Anne Lister as "the first modern lesbian".

2014: Conference at Shibden Hall

In 2014, a conference was held at Shibden Hall focusing on Anne Lister's life, as well as gender and sexuality in the 19th century.

2017: Publication of German Biography

In 2017, Angela Steidele's biography of Anne Lister was published in German.

2018: Publication of English Biography

In 2018, Angela Steidele's biography of Anne Lister was published in English.

2018: Blue Plaque Unveiled in York

In 2018, a blue plaque with a rainbow edging, York's first LGBTQ history plaque, was unveiled at Holy Trinity Church in York to honor Anne Lister.

2019: Publication of "Anne Lister's Secret Diary for 1817"

In 2019, Patricia Hughes self-published "Anne Lister's Secret Diary for 1817", which makes extensive use of materials in the Lister archives.

2019: Replacement Plaque Installed

In 2019, a replacement plaque was installed, including the wording: "Lesbian and Diarist; took sacrament here to seal her union with Ann Walker".

2019: Premiere of Gentleman Jack TV Series

In 2019, the BBC-HBO historical TV drama series "Gentleman Jack", starring Suranne Jones as Anne Lister, premiered. The series is inspired by Jill Liddington's books, and O'Hooley & Tidow's "Gentleman Jack" serves as the theme music. A companion volume by Anne Choma, including diary entries, was published by Penguin Books.

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2020: Discovery of Ann Walker's Journal

In 2020, Ann Walker's journal, covering June 1834 to February 1835, was discovered. It provides a pivotal perspective that complements the narratives in Anne Lister's diary.

2022: Publication of Book About Lister's Journey in Russia

In 2022, Russian researcher Olga Khoroshilova published a book about Anne Lister's final journey in Russia.

2022: Gentleman Jack Series 2 Airs and is Cancelled

In 2022, the second series of "Gentleman Jack" aired, first on BBC One and then on HBO. The series was subsequently cancelled by HBO, leading to a campaign to save the show.

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