1841: Anne Lister’s will, in which she leaves her estate, Shibden Hall, to her wife Ann Walker. Catalogue ref: PROB 10/6000
Anne Lister is famously known as ‘the first modern lesbian’, due to the extensive diaries she left behind detailing her relationships with women. She married Ann Walker in 1834. However, this wasn’t an ‘official’ marriage in the eyes of the law. This wouldn’t be possible for same-sex couples until 2013. Both women inherited estates from wealthy families, allowing them some freedom in living their lives.
Transcript
This is the last will and testament of me Anne Lister of Shibden Hall in the township of Southowram in the parish of Halifax in the county of York, spinster, made the ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. I give and devise all my estate called Shibden Hall and all and singular the messuages farms lands tenements and real estate whatsoever and wheresoever which I am in anywise seized of or entitled to or have power to dispose of unto my friend Miss Ann Walker who is now living with me at Shibden Hall. …
Provided lastly and I do hereby declare that in case of the marriage of the said Ann Walker all and singular the trust estates monies and premises and all the trusts proven and authorities whatsoever hereinbefore given to as or reposed in her shall thenceforth cease and determine in the same manner to all intents constrictions and purposes as if the said Ann Walker should have then departed this life. …
A Lister
- What clues do you get about the reality of Anne Lister and Ann Walker’s relationship in this will?
- Why does Lister need to use language that is vague or coded in this document?
- Why do you think Lister included a stipulation about Walker marrying?
- What does this document tell you about Lister’s class background?