Article | January 11, 2024
Anne Lister's Diaries: The Secret Life of a 19th-Century Lesbian Landowner
By Nicholas O'Connor
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(Image Creator: Probably a Mrs Taylor of Hallifax, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Anne Lister, often hailed as “the first modern lesbian,” was a remarkable woman whose detailed diaries provide an unprecedented glimpse into LGBTQ+ life in early 19th-century England. Born in 1791 into a wealthy family in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Lister defied the gender norms of her time, living openly as a lesbian and managing her family's estate, Shibden Hall. Her diaries, which span over three decades, reveal her intimate relationships with women, her business acumen, and her indomitable spirit. This article explores the significance of Anne Lister's diaries and their impact on our understanding of LGBTQ+ history.
Early Life and Education
Anne Lister was born into a prosperous family, which afforded her opportunities for education and travel that were uncommon for women of her era. She attended boarding schools where she formed intense emotional and romantic relationships with other girls. These early experiences solidified her understanding of her own sexuality. Lister's diaries suggest she was acutely aware of her attraction to women from a young age, describing these feelings with a candidness that was revolutionary for her time.
(Image Creator: Image credit: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council)
The Diaries: A Coded Legacy
Lister began her diary in 1806, meticulously recording her daily life, thoughts, and emotions until her death in 1840. The diaries amount to over four million words, with a significant portion written in a secret code that combined algebraic symbols, Greek letters, and the zodiac. This code allowed Lister to document her romantic and sexual relationships with women in explicit detail without fear of persecution.
The code was deciphered in the late 19th century by John Lister, a distant relative, who chose to keep the contents secret due to their controversial nature. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that the full extent of Anne Lister’s diaries and their significance came to light, thanks to the work of historian Helena Whitbread.
(Image Creator: © the artist. Image credit: Mary P Crowther / Art Uk)
Romantic Relationships
Lister’s diaries reveal her passionate relationships with several women, most notably Mariana Belcombe and Ann Walker. Mariana was Lister’s lover for many years, though their relationship was fraught with challenges, including Mariana's eventual marriage to a man. Lister’s heartbreak over Mariana’s marriage is poignantly detailed in her writings.
In 1832, Lister began a relationship with Ann Walker, a wealthy heiress. Their bond was profound and enduring, culminating in a private ceremony that the women considered their marriage. They lived together at Shibden Hall, where Lister managed the estate and pursued various business ventures. Lister's relationship with Walker is considered one of the earliest documented same-sex unions in modern history.
A Woman Ahead of Her Time, Anne Lister was not only a pioneer in her personal life but also a formidable figure in the business world. She took charge of the family estate, Shibden Hall, overseeing renovations, managing tenants, and expanding the property. Lister's diaries detail her travels across Europe, where she engaged in intellectual pursuits and socialized with the elite, all while maintaining her distinct identity.
Her writings reflect her keen interest in politics, science, and the natural world. Lister's determination to live authentically and her refusal to conform to societal expectations make her an inspiring figure for both her time and ours.
Anne Lister’s diaries are a testament to her extraordinary life and enduring legacy. They offer a unique window into the personal and social dynamics of LGBTQ+ individuals in early 19th-century England. Lister’s fearless pursuit of love and authenticity, despite the constraints of her time, continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world. Her story reminds us of the importance of preserving and honoring the histories of those who lived on the margins, paving the way for future generations to live openly and proudly.
(Image Creator: (Image Creator: Astronomyblog, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons). )
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