Rights Managed > Historic England > Architecture > Interiors
Shibden Hall a42_01540
Filename: aa42_01540.jpg
Size: 5749 x 4099 (6.9MB)
Date: 23rd June 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Shibden Hall a42_01540
SHIBDEN HALL, SHIBDEN, HALIFAX, Calderdale. An interior view of the staircase in Shibden Hall, seen from the ground floor hall. Shibden Hall dates to the late medieval period, where it was built c1420 for William Otes, and was altered in the 16th and latter quarter of the 19th centuries. The surviving original hall has two cross wings, a stone and timber entrance front on the south side and a c1836 Norman-style west tower with three storeys, designed by John Harper of York. Much of the interior has been altered, but there is some 17th century panelling on the ground and first floors. The staircase is accessed from the Buttery by two steps, and leads to a first floor hall with a balustraded railing. In front of the staircase is a railing with twisted balusters and wooden sculptures on each of the railing pilasters.
The hall was occupied by the Lister family from the early 17th century to 1923, when John Lister became bankrupt and the hall was presented to the people of Halifax as a public park and museum. Anne Lister (1791-1840) managed the estate from 1826 and inherited it in 1836. After her death, the estate was given to her partner, Ann Walker, but was returned to the Lister family in 1854 after Walkers death. Anne Lister kept coded diaries, which she hid in the walls of Shibden Hall, that recorded her romantic relationships with women. They were de-coded and published in 1988 by Helena Whitbread and she became known as the first modern lesbian
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 22140117
© Historic England Archive
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the exquisite interior of Shibden Hall, a historic gem nestled in Halifax, Calderdale. The image showcases the grand staircase, viewed from the ground floor hall, offering a glimpse into the architectural splendor of this late medieval structure. Built around 1420 for William Otes and later modified in the 16th and 19th centuries, Shibden Hall boasts an original hall with two cross wings and a striking stone and timber entrance front. The photograph also highlights the c1836 Norman-style west tower designed by John Harper of York, adding to the hall's unique charm. While much of its interior has been altered over time, traces of its rich history remain evident through features like 17th-century panelling on both floors. Shibden Hall holds significant historical importance as it was once home to the Lister family from the early 17th century until 1923. Notably, Anne Lister managed and eventually inherited the estate in 1836. Her intriguing story unfolds within these walls; she kept coded diaries hidden within Shibden Hall's very fabric that documented her romantic relationships with women. These diaries were later decoded and published in 1988 by Helena Whitbread, solidifying Anne Lister's place as an iconic figure in LGBTQ+ history. Today, Shibden Hall stands as a public park and museum after being presented to Halifax's people following John Lister's bankruptcy. This remarkable print by George Bernard Wood serves as a testament to both its architectural beauty and its role in preserving an important part of British heritage.
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