The Anne Lister Story by Helena Whitbread

‘The Anne Lister Story’ was filmed at Shibden Hall, Halifax, home of Anne Lister in 2015 and released in 2016. The film is an interview of Anne Lister biographer Helena Whitbread about Anne’s life and her own discovery of Anne’s journals and work to share them.
In late 2022, we invited Helena back to Shibden to create a second film, ‘The Helena Whitbread Story’ to document Helena’s life and work sharing Anne’s Story for release on Anne Lister’s birthday, 3rd April 2023. Find out more about Anne Lister at calderdale.gov.uk/museums.
#AnneLister #GentlemanJack #ShibdenHall

[@gregoelmagnifico9067]

Here in France, even if we know Anne as a prominent modern lesbian, we still fondly remember her as one of the first climber of the mighty Vignemale. Near the mountain and the Ossoue Glacier, lying on the French/Spain border, and overlooking the path she took to climb up the mountain, there's now a famous pass called "Lady Lister pass". Bravo miss lister!

[@adopteddivide31]

Didn’t know that! Thank you!

[@lolotaeja3911]

Not one of the first, she was the first.

[@gregoelmagnifico9067]

@@lolotaeja3911 she was the first to officially climb the mountain. But shepherds and poachers most definitely climbed the mountain before!

[@swishdk44]

Awesome!

[@catherinebroughton6059]

oh goodness - thanks for this info. I will go and look.

[@garethwebb2071]

Thank you Helena Whitbread for your devotion & undeniable hard work in bringing the story of Anne Lister to life for us all & foretelling your story so beautifully.

[@GreenLight11111]

beautifully said

[@blahblah3485]

Ditto. What amazing work to read through all her journals and uncover such a remarkable life story. I can't wait to watch the show. Just wish Ms. Whitbread was narrating it too.

[@QueenBee-gx4rp]

Brava to Ms. Whitbread! This was so interesting and so beautifully done!

[@taylor7928]

If only Anne could see us now. ❤️🏳️‍🌈

[@LalaEva005]

Oml love your profile pic.

[@johnridley6584]

I can !!

[@cooliocook6911]

Yelyataylor 😃 Exactly what I was thinking. What an amazing woman.

[@JeannetteOliver]

She would be very proud to see freedom. ❣️

[@sammessage7759]

to be fair she'd probably be outraged at the weakening of the aristocracy, disgusted by the mixing of different classes and ashamed that Shibden Hall is a folk history museum - after all she was an ardent 19th centurary Tory through and through unfortunately!

[@nilaydervish9973]

Thank you Helena Whitbread for all those years of effort, courage and insight that made us able to meet Anne Lister.

[@ogechukwunicholas8063]

That's so beautiful, being gay in Nigeria is a huge crime, just like Anne i have always loved women, am always fascinated by their beauty both body and soul and am in love with someone, we both planning to leave Nigeria to a better place. Tnx for the video.

[@singingrose4377]

Be careful darling. 😚

[@ogechukwunicholas8063]

@@singingrose4377, thanks dear

[@singingrose4377]

@@ogechukwunicholas8063 sisters right 😆

[@ogechukwunicholas8063]

@@singingrose4377 yes sisters, where you at?

[@haikuboxer]

Best of luck. Come to Canada :-)

[@avrambuchanan1846]

As a film director I have worked on a wide range of heritage video projects over the years, and have to say that this was one of the most curious and insightful projects I have ever been asked to direct. I found Helena Whitbread to be an extremely knowledgeable person regarding the period, the person and the personality of Anne Lister. As Helena has that remarkable ability of being able to talk about Anne as if she were a living, close friend, Helena's intimate understanding is not surprising considering the time she has spent decrypting the diaries/journals and absorbing the information. I am very privileged to have worked on this film and truly delighted that so many have found it as fascinating, interesting and inspirational as I did when interviewing Helena Whitbread and being introduced to the remarkable Anne Lister.

[@avrambuchanan1846]

@Irene Thank you, it was an absolute joy to work on and I am very pleased you enjoyed it so much.

[@tia91ful]

Whats the name of the book

[@avrambuchanan1846]

The book by Helena Whitbread is called - The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister

[@deborahkeller5298]

You did a great job on this! 👏 👏 👏

[@avrambuchanan1846]

@@deborahkeller5298 Thank you - much appreciated.

[@tinklvsme]

Im not a lesbian, I find Anns story about being a strong woman sitting across from men and saying "Im as good as you" inspiring. 🙂🤓

[@elizabethtrainer9732]

I like your statement, but I don't think you needed to preface it with, "I'm not a lesbian." Just because you're inspired by a woman who was a lesbian doesn't automatically mean people will think you are a lesbian as well.

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

to me she was a user that looked down on everyone and had no idea of humanity , really it was ok to do the things she did ? heartless is not strong , its just heartless , she was her fathers daughter in human and selfish , btw my daughter is gay and 2 of my sisters and they are strong , what they are not is users and cruel , i have no understanding of why this video was even made , she was a no one and to me any human that used people just for their wants , they deserve forgetting regardless of their sexuality

[@briarrose5208]

Jita'ame suluma being a lesbian now vs. then are very different. She could have been put to death for her sexual proclivities. Living under that kind of threat has a powerful effect on someone's character and attitude.

[@barbarat5729]

Jita'ame suluma I’ve watched some of the show and was surprised at how she is portrayed, which is exactly as you state. She comes across as a narcissist user, strong or not.

[@anncarper8163]

There's nothing wrong with her prefacing her comment by saying she's not a lesbian. The lesbianism of this video's subject is one of the main features of the profile. So it's totally understandable that the OP would state, "that's not something I have in common with this person, however....". It's nothing to be over-sensitive about. I really don't think the OP intended any disrespect, so there's no need to look for it.

[@havensabaini7334]

The woman, Helena, who is narrating and decoding Anne’s diary is extremely intelligent and quite the expert on her topic. I’m very impressed by this little documentary. Anne was quite a woman!

[@robertbarrett2494]

Her "plain script" ( 5/6 of the 5 m words in 27 volumes ) was clean with informative contents . about town & country life , business , & travel . Her "crypt script" (1/6 of the 5 m words in 27 volumes ) was explicit ^ very "racy" .

[@sidneygreenglass106]

I am enthralled by Helena, so very bright and she talks of Anne as if she lived contemporary with her! Fantastic stuff !

[@monicadavenport5395]

@@robertbarrett2494 p

[@hunkhk]

@@sidneygreenglass106 me too - Helena as impressive in her own right as the story she is sharing

[@rosemarywitch9935]

Makes me proud of being a librarian, archivist, and queer

[@adopteddivide31]

Rosemary Witch such important work. Thank you!

[@rosemarywitch9935]

@@frankpeter6851 Not yet, I am just finishing my Masters in Library Information Science and looking for work in a Queer archive like the one you mentioned. Most of the work I have done was in a vintage sci-fi collection.

[@rosemarywitch9935]

@@adopteddivide31 Thanks, and dont thank me just yet. I'm just starting out :)

[@rosemarywitch9935]

@@alexjames2510 Hello! Thanks for asking! In America, Queer is used as an umbrella term for people who fall somewhere on the LGBTQIA spectrum. It was used as a slur to suggest that LGBTQ people were somehow abnormal or wrong for a long time and has since been reclaimed by the community. It's actually where the Q in LGBTQ comes from! It's funny that you assume that I am a lesbian, because I use the term Queer specifically because I am not a lesbian. It may benefit you to do a quick Google search before you comment next time, but I am glad to explain it to those who are curious :).

[@shammydammy2610]

@@alexjames2510 Words gain different meanings, nuances, become part of different communities' lexicons. English is not a dead language, it is constantly growing and changing. And pretty much any dictionary today will give you both definitions.

[@sherrye150]

This is amazing. I am 68 I came out at 28. And sadly it took me 2 marriages to men and 3 children(whom I love dearly) to realize, I have always been gay. I was never meant to be with a man.

[@ladyd6222]

Sherry E I truly understand 😢

[@haileyt857]

I hope you are living a happier and freer life now!

[@sourgummi69]

I hope you are much happier now. You remind me of the movie Carol.

[@cooliocook6911]

I hope you are happy and fulfilled.

[@sherrye150]

@@cooliocook6911 fulfilled no but, I'm doing ok. Thank you

[@seatree4727]

Hats 🎩 off to Anne for keeping journals and Suranne ( Sir Anne 😉 ) is bloody fabulous in Gentleman Jack .... loving this history being brought to life 🌈

[@Oliviawww164]

Totally agree Sea Tree. Great Sunday night viewing, Refreshing to see a strong female being depicted so well by Suranne.

[@judithrix-brown8790]

I love this show.. you dont have to be gay to fall in love with this women and the character played by Suranne. Fabulous and inspiring!

[@bendybennett2751]

Before Gentleman Jack was 'The Secret Diaries of Anne Lister'...which is also very, very good.

[@snooepijeleeuwenkamp9365]

amazing isn't it? I was born in Halifax and been to shibden hall many times, but to see it on tv and her story is brilliant she plays it so well

[@plodmama]

'Sir Anne' HA! that's brilliant :)

[@SuuzieQ]

It's remarkable that you can even read her scribbled handwriting, let alone translate her algebraic symbols!

[@gerardcollins80]

I know right. The crypt hand is actually eaiser to read than the plain hand. Given how horrible her handwriting was I doubt she even needed a code because people wouldn't have been able to read it anyway.

[@robertbarrett2494]

It is difficult to read .

[@CmdrTomalak]

I've become enthralled by this woman. The more I find out about her, the more starved for information I become.

[@sarahoakes9025]

Laurie Kearney same for me! She defies all expectations and limitations. What an incredible human.

[@emmacoombs8681]

Me too!

[@crabstick250]

"History is fair game" spoken as a true historian and biographer. Thank you for the years of hard work decoding and telling her story.

[@Ypres-gg6wg]

Helena Whitbread is an extraordinary woman. By translating Anne Lister's diaries, she has left her mark on history just as much as Ann Lister did.

[@trieshard1]

I have just watched and listened to this fascinating story for the second time. The lady historian who was the narrator seems to me to be a natural story teller, I could have listened to her forever. Amazing historical research, this lady historian gave a truly knowledgeable insight into the life of a woman who dared to be different.

[@premasru]

Helena Whitbread is her name.

[@trieshard1]

@@premasru Thanks.

[@CurioByBSpokeDesigns]

I could listen to her all day! What a natural!

[@morganfisherart]

I completely agree - what a lovely, knowledgeable, non-judgemental, simpatico presenter Helena is. I never took my eyes off her. My only disappointment is how often she'd be talking about some emotional human interaction, and it would be illustrated by a photo of a house or a landscape, which utterly took the wind out of her narrational sails. This annoyed me so much that by about 16 minutes in I was ready to quit. I really think the director of this video missed very badly on that count. Luckily, Helena's warm voice and friendly demeanor got me through to the end of this otherwise excellent summary of a great lady's too-short life.

[@hunkhk]

You beat me too this comment - isnt Helena's storytelling fabulous. She has done justice to the history and legacy of Ann.

[@susanthomas5464]

Suranne Jones is superb as Anne Lister. A fascinating story of an incredible woman xx

[@susieinthecountry4434]

yes a multi faceted story that HBO only focuses on one part of her life.

[@susanthomas5464]

@@susieinthecountry4434 Agreed .

[@cutzymccall7675]

Suranne is amazing!

[@barbarat5729]

CutZy McCall Agreed

[@marjoriejonas8299]

Susan Thomas agree she is absolutely brilliant and plays the role believably

[@IrethN]

Yup, Anne Lister went to Paris to study anatomy! 😉😏

[@laurenmalcom5117]

IrethN I love that scene!!😂🎩

[@lolotaeja3911]

Lolol!

[@norexplorer865]

Am I the only one sad because there's nothing much known about Ann Walker? :( I really wish we knew how her life was, what her feelings were, we know so little about her and yet I find her so intriguing and I'm so curious.

[@sm3296]

I was fortunate to tour Shibden Hall when someone who knew the house and the stories showed me secrets and hidden parts of the house. Seeing the door to the bedroom where Annes partner barricaded herself after Anne’s death, the axe marks where they broke through the heavy wooden door to take her away, so they could gain the house brought shivers to me and tears for her plight.

[@1971gladys]

What a legend!! What a legacy! I am 49 and came out at 42. One disastrous marriage to a man and two children later I came out. I am happier than I have ever been. Inspirational vlog thank you so much xx

[@susannechinn647]

I am so excited to find this story. I have been watching “Gentleman Jack” and wanted to find out about the real Ann Lister. Thank you Helen for your research and bringing her story to light.

[@celinemc]

I've watched the second episode of "Gentleman Jack" starting Suranne Jones as Anne lister tonight which has brought me here, fascinating story!

[@janesheehan8511]

Me too!!

[@alisonstead-spiritualmediu7115]

And me!!

[@carmenxajay8772]

Same here :)

[@HelenaSalvator]

same

[@candesok7926]

Great show, I've enjoyed watching it.

[@dizwilliams5334]

Fascinating, and wonderfully presented. A perfect and articulate presentation with the added bonus of the highly appropriate Yorkshire accent. Helena should be on the BBC.

[@theribwells3053]

Helena Whitbread - what a brilliant story teller. Speaks with such fluency, clarity and compassion.

[@funDAYsmiling]

Lesbian women = "perfect women." My much beloved lesbian maternal auntie, both before and after my mom's death had been and guess still is an incredible mum to me. Thank you, writers and researchers for publishing story of this great lady.

[@naturebythetamar8699]

Thank you so much for all your hard work. I am a queer woman and it's simply wonderful to have evidence that women like me have existed and thrived, long long before my time. What a remarkable woman Anne was and what a remarkable woman Helen is for all her years of hard work x

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

There have always been women to whom the attraction to other women has been their natural inclination. Sadly, it’s only been in recent years that they were free to let the rest of the world know where their hearts lay.

[@alisonancell6047]

You must be one of the best if not the best narrators on you tube. Thank you for such an enjoyable journey through history . Lesbian or not this woman was a trail blazer!!! thank god for her courage. Respect.

[@premasru]

She is a joy to listen to too.

[@frompapertopeoplepodcast4889]

Can lesbians NOT be trailblazers?

[@frompapertopeoplepodcast4889]

@Zep Tepi Try not to tell me what I do & do not understand.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

@@frompapertopeoplepodcast4889 Sure they can..

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

@Zep Tepi Someone, always needs to make something from nothing !! You, did nothing to be chastised for !! Luv Ya !!

[@marktwain380]

Thank you for this, utterly fascinating. Sexuality, however experienced between two human beings is as old as the earth itself. Women like Ann have lived in this world since it began, lesbianism like homosexuality has a rightful place in human experience, and must be respected and allowed its freedom.

[@GhostRangerr]

Well said 👏

[@aprilsuxxx]

Truthfully beautiful.

[@AirForceKrissy]

Well written and if that’s your real name, you share it with a well know author ✍️ 🤩

[@--legion]

I'm sure you also believe that zoophiles have a quiet dignity all of their own, and sheep-worrying must be respected and allowed its freedom.

[@thekalenichannel1812]

​@@--legionhow ridiculous....animals can't consent. Clearly women can consent to have a private relationship

[@taraqueen58]

Suranne Jones does credit in her portrayal of this truly remarkable woman.

[@OpatraCleo]

The historian, the lady who is narrating Anne's story is very smart and sweet. The way she's telling the story makes it even more captivating: a very lively account indeed!

[@amandapittar9398]

This lady is amazing, she brings Anne to vibrant life. I’m full of admiration for all her hard work. What an academic. She can come to dinner at my house any time. 😊😊😊🌟🌟🌟👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@romber58]

I love the narrator,s accent.I am originally from Yorkshire and have lived in Berlin since the mid 80,s....She speaks in what i called my mother,s "telephone voice".That is to say she articulates well on camera but I bet that her dialect is much broader in private...lolol

[@gaenordeacon9431]

Thanks to the archivist for telling Helena Whitbread about the diary

[@kaliwindx7287]

This was a fascinating biography of someone whom I knew nothing about. The narration was excellent and the author’s research and scholarship were excellent. I so appreciate this video and to learn something entirely new to me.

[@maryphillips864]

A truly fascinating woman, coming from Halifax I feel so proud that she has been recognised as the first modern lesbian... what a legacy. It's very sad that she died so young. Thank you Helena Whitbread for all your hard work.

[@TheBorzoilover]

What a wonderful true life story and thank you to the lady who put this on You tube.

[@deadinteresting8905]

and the hard work of Helena Whitbread... obviously ;)

[@BionicRusty]

What a fantastic insight to an incredible woman. A truly incredible knowledge narrated so eloquently. Thank you 🙏♥️👏👏

[@kesoa.2811]

When you're so addicted to this story but you can't tell anyone because your still hiding in your closet so you opt to watch and read anne lister's story. 😍😂🇵🇭

[@singingrose4377]

Same lol.

[@kesoa.2811]

@@singingrose4377 haha good lord!

[@kesoa.2811]

@Guru Music Lover cheers! 😂 kahit tapos na yung season 1, ulit-ulit nlng panuorin kasi ang ganda tlaga. 😁😍

[@uniqueness9614]

What site are you watching it?

[@castlebikebike3690]

@keso anong site mo napanood?

[@AnaSantos-jq4yi]

What a marvellous story teller,thank you!

[@bebechocolateinbarcelona-a5034]

She is inspirational to women, regardless of their sexuality. Doing and being and living not as a helpless damsel, but as a fearless human being despite what people sad. Kudos to her. Women as a whole can learn from her...

[@GoMaRElKoN]

When she said ( and she died there, in September 1840 ) I just lost it and cried,.. 😣 I don’t know why I cry on a person that died 179 year ago, I feel like she’s a family,... I mean I just knew her a week ago, from “Rose and Rosie’s KZbin channel”

[@GoMaRElKoN]

K Pee You’re absolutely right!!

[@annmitchell4663]

Try watching the new BBC series about her life 'Gentleman Jack'.

[@GoMaRElKoN]

Ann Mitchell I’ve seen it,..!! It was haaard waiting for the next episode, but the last episode was Great,..! Now we have to wait for the second season 🙂

[@vmeliveve4616]

Behind her back she’s gentleman jack ✨

[@momorevis444]

Lol

[@alanfromdarwen]

behind her back she's gentleman jack=

[@mfreeborny8591]

What brilliant two women, Anne and sponsor, thank you

[@kimmccabe1422]

"Intellectually hooked"-well I was hooked! Personally, I think you can make her a series. Well done. Well narrated! I'll look for more of you and Ann Lister-because thousands of words..means more. Thanks for a short n sweet totally interesting bit on an interesting person. I'll be on the look out for more!

[@emmacoombs8681]

I'm totally inspired by Anne Lister. I love her story and how she stood for what she believed in. An extremely strong and powerful woman. Suranne Jones is the perfect person for this role, and she plays the part superbly. I really am looking forward to series 2 of Gentleman Jack, and I hope they don't change anything in the way it is written or filmed. I love Suranne looking into the camera and talking, brings us viewers right there with her.

[@hughwilson4911]

What a pleasure it is to listen to someone with knowledge of and affinity for a subject. Thank you for some of the back story.

[@gigibee1048]

What a courageous woman to stand against "polite" society of the times to be her trueself I love her life story. 💖💖💖

[@teresagibson4946]

I was unaware that Gentlemen Jack was about Anne Lister. And watching this documentary I thought this would be a interesting read. Turns out it's an interesting show. I binged watched season 1. Now I kind of wished I spread out watching the episodes. Only to have something to look forward to. There's few women whom got to live their lives as they wanted or could in those times. It took a very long time for women to be taken seriously and capable as any man.

[@966Mako]

I'd like to read the diary verbatim, not just extracts from it. I hope the whole diary does get published someday.

[@loriwise236]

I love the women telling the story ...I want to hug her.I jist wstch the HBO Mini Series very good they should do a movie on her.I love true story's.

[@davidjordan9759]

Amazed to find that, not only did they use the old Shibden in the drama, but they used the interiors as well It's all on Google Earth in marvelous detail.

[@michelebishop9840]

I am very grateful. As a lesbian born in the sixties it still is extremely hard for women to deal with their lives openly. Most cases of problems are politicians and silly religious beliefs that are people who take bits and pieces of the bible and think they have the right to judge others. When loving another human to me is a blessing. Anne Lister was awesome! I am glad that someone finally brought her to life. Thank you so much to this woman who has studied and revealed all that she was. So many suffer with situations that they cannot control like religion or absolute ignorance of women being equal. Its a wonderful thing you did for us by giving us the memories of this strong female. Thank you and Best wishes

[@tanyajantz6376]

Thank you for writing the book and telling the truth! I'm a 55 yr old lesbian that came out at age 19 in 1986... was super tough then and now having my doc office in a very homophobic area for 30 yrs, and dating a black woman where there are like 3 black people in our county! 2022 and women, black women and all lesbian women are still fighting for our rights.

[@coolgirl614]

Ughh.... I can’t get enough of this story! I’m completely in love with the show, I read the companion book, I’m most of the way through one of Helena’s book. I want more! I read on Helena’s blog site that they’re working on publishing more of Anne’s diaries. I cannot wait!

[@elizabethwhite1068]

If you haven't read them already, I recommend the books by Jill Liddington as well!

[@coolgirl614]

@@elizabethwhite1068 thank you for the recommendation!

[@bettiraige3474]

What an amazing Badass. I am so grateful to learn about this incredible woman.

[@vivmadmaxx66]

I'm just fascinated by her as a person and bring a woman in that time. From watching Gentleman Jack she was a strong woman not ashame of who she was. She was very intelligent and all straits of a smart person. Guess she was unique in that era as even her dress method showed to hell with the world. She would be amaze and glad to see how much progress has been made today

[@TR4zest]

Two impressive women. HelenaWhitbread carefully shares knowledge to give some insight into the subject, and Anne Lister herself. What an excellent way to spend half an hour.

[@vickinoeske1711]

I've been watching Gentlemen Jack which I'm sure barely touches on the details of Ann's life. The show is very entertaining though.

[@deniseirish8592]

so glad she did this. Truly amazing butt kicking, good lady she was.

[@jeanetteh.9240]

Ms. Whitbread is a marvelous storyteller!

[@vsatrader]

Welcome to Mastermind Helena whitbread, and your chosen subject is "Anne Lister"

[@Earnshawfully]

Very well narrated by a passionate and accurate historian.

[@jackielanglois5874]

Lovely biography of a women who just wanted to live her life her way!

[@Tina06019]

Miss Anne Lister was certainly an ambitious “gentleman” of her times, so to speak, even to the point of pursuing a young heiress whom she would never looked at had the heiress been a poor woman. And she was quite a snob, which was also very common. Essentially every land owner was a snob; as they to be to get by in that day and age. That does not make Anne Lister any the less interesting. And her home is beautiful.

[@98ZED]

Suranne Jones has played this character fantastically well. Superb and has portrayed her perfectly!

[@normascammell9752]

Surname Jones is brilliant as usual i really hope she will be recognised as the brilent actress she is gently man Jack. Is a brilliant

[@commy741]

Am so in love with Ann Lister, for taking her story to the world in ""Gentleman jack""

[@NinoKhukhu]

I've recently watched the show and find out about Anne lister. From this video I wanted to learn about her death, but was not ready to hear that she died in my homeland, Georgia. I feel so sorry that she died here. :(

[@zandralapoi9203]

Brilliant piece. If only I could write as beautifully as Helena Whitbread speaks, this comment would be way more colourful. xxxx

[@luvs2cover]

In the tv series i love the way she cut her eyes i really think she wanted someone to love and have them love het back the same way.

[@IrethN]

Wow what a fascinating woman, even more fascinating to listen to Helena Whitebread tell this woman's story! 😍😊

[@peacebeing]

Thanks for giving us this fascinating history of Anne Lister!

[@MichaelAndersxq28guy]

I loved, loved, loved, loved, loved learning about Anne Lister. Thank you.

[@susanwilliams9337]

This lady was truly a marvel she was full of vibrancy learning strong not to be messed with ..truly inspiring

[@yasminalibazoglu3424]

Fascinating person, she took the role of a modern day feminist. I admire the way she lived how she wanted. Bravo Anne!!!!

[@bhumphries1360]

Very much so ahead of her time! She would most likely be an activist for women's rights and LGBTQ equality today. I admire people in history who stood up.......even if they stood alone.

[@bodoorgeest]

And in those days it was so much harder to stand up for yourself, no protection under the law..

[@izzyfox7575]

Maybe, but she was actually *against* women's suffrage in her time. She wasn't even in favour of universal male suffrage. I feel like she might have been in favour of the few female landowners (like her) having the vote because I can't imagine her being against *herself* having the right to vote but she was definitely not into the idea of poor people having the vote. She would try to convince her male land tenants to vote Tory during elections because she was extremely politically conservative for someone who was such a trail blazer in other ways.

[@jacquelinepaul9731]

If you were ever broken and had had a nervous breakdown...this is the comforting voice you'd want from your nurse !!...What a lovely woman.

[@staceyhafford2962]

I was glued to this lady’s narration of the journals of Anne Lister. Must read.

[@lincruise5275]

Anne lister! You speak to my heart and soul🙂 ❤ I will visit Shibden Hall!! Now on my Bucket List.

[@ellenmendoza7246]

Thank you that was brilliant. What an amazing woman xxx

[@donallen1384]

Thank you for this Helena, very informanant, I am a man(78) and not gay, I enjoyed Gentleman Jack series 1, and look forward to series 2…. It was interesting to see a lady taking on the men at there own game, in 18th Century England.

[@reinadegrillos]

A life dedicated to research, remarkable Anne Lister and remarkable Helena Whitbread. Thank you for your work.

[@jearnott]

Fascinating - what a marvellous woman and what a perfect narrator! I’m enjoying the BBC drama ‘Gentleman Jack’. Anne Lister was not alone however, history seems to have forgotten the Ladies of Llangollen, who were celebrities in their own time, visited by many - look them up on Wiki. Maybe one day, their story will be more widely known and they will also be recognised for being ahead of their time.

[@NatalieLovingLife]

J A could you provide links or explain more? I’d love to know!

[@jearnott]

Here’s a starters en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladies_of_Llangollen

[@hazelclose8800]

Yes I bought a random book "The Ladies of Llangollen" years ago...it is a fascinating insight into a time gone by..I think their home is still there.I must read it again ..I think one escaped through her bedroom window to be with her lover and they set up home in Llangollen.

[@geminil2415]

I was on the point of visiting Shibden Hall when covid restrictions meant putting it off, then again when I read parts off it were shut off because of filming.( It must have been the second series of Gentleman Jack ) I am determined to get there this year, I am dying to see it, and have thoroughly enjoyed both series.

[@susanjewitt8783]

Gentleman Jack has been superb. There is so much more to learn about Anne Lister so this has been very informative.

[@christineewing3492]

"The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister", a 2010 film starring Maxine Peake as Anne, is a fascinating watch. Maxine spent time with Helena Whitbrerad, to learn more about the character she was to play.

[@TrevorLockwoodsuffolk]

Thank you Helena for your , shortened, account taken from the diary of Anne Lister. She was a remarkable woman, and will be remembered.

[@LGBTR3naissance]

Never knew who Anne Lister was until hearing about the TV series "Gentleman Jack" (which I have yet to watch). Nevertheless she was quiet an extraordinary woman for her time and has endured so today. Am now intrigued to learn more about Anne and her stunning achievements in the face of obstacles and sexual mores of her era.

[@rosyclaire]

Wonderful storyteller, obviously knows her stuff very well, I could listen to her for hours.

[@kirstymiller6680]

Maxine peake played this role a few years ago in the secret diaries of miss anne lister..worth a watch

[@66tenuta]

Maxine is such a gifted actress.

[@jessicachapman1493]

How to you watch the secret diaries of miss lister?

[@koinhawaii]

Fascinating! Love this story, and the "Gentleman Jack" series. Well done!

[@carlingnugent]

I love that this amazing woman is someone we can get to know. Thank you so much for decoding her journals! I'm so happy she wrote them - otherwise she would be lost to history. Now shes a damn icon!

[@BornDoubter]

Amazing story.

[@kellytift6578]

Kilter is a moron

[@angie9430]

A great story to put Halifax and Shibden Hall on the map ! Remember visiting with my sister in the 60s .

[@rbrown6476]

I watched this with fascination and have huge respect for the narrator. The story is inspiring and has been followed up by dozens of tributes, not only to Anne Lister, but most particularly, to the narrator of this wonderful video. I really hope she has read them all. Each thank you is inspiring in itself, and I’d love to know that the narrator has been made aware of them. She herself was just as inspiring to me. I’m not gay, but I can see so easily why gay women are thankful to her. And I long for a world where all people are free to love and not be judged, by anyone. We’ll keep on believing that one day, it won’t even need to be discussed with any more than mild interest, like say, the colour of your eyelashes! Lol

[@simpaticaism]

Brilliant work to produce this very interesting biography , thank you 🙏

[@pickettywitchoriginal]

There is a series loosely based around her journal,(Very Loosely) called ‘Gentleman Jack’ made by the BBC. It’s quite good and very humorous. Thank you this video it’s treat.

[@wendyellini]

Excellent narration ,beautifully clear ,I love your interest in Anne Lister she is indeed intriguing,I have the same interest in Emily Bronte . thank you so much for the upload .

[@corryjookit7818]

Silk is a great fabric as it keeps you warm in cold weather and cool in very hot weather.

[@Youtuberperson1996]

Halifax is such a beautiful place, so rich in culture 😊

[@pinkyandrexa]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary. Anne Lister would have been proud both of this and the TV series. It show lesbian women in a very positive light. Back in those dark days when women often had to marry men they didn't love to please their families, the more understanding love of women together would have been a great relief and comfort to women both gay and bisexual. In those days lesbian love had to be kept secret, yet today they are free to marry. Who knows what Anne might achieved in this century.