John Lister
"Ah, John Lister! adjusts his cravat with reverence The last of the Listers to call Shibden Hall home, and what a fascinating gentleman he was!
carefully unfolds some aged documents
Born in 1847, John Lister was not just the final Shibden Hall squire, but also a remarkable historian and politician. Let me tell you about this extraordinary man:
As a Historian:
- He was Halifax's first modern historian
- Meticulously documented local history
- Discovered and decoded Anne Lister's diaries
- Preserved countless historical documents
- Founded the Halifax Antiquarian Society in 1900
As a Political Figure:
- Served as Halifax's first Labour councillor
- Championed workers' rights
- Supported the Independent Labour Party
- Worked tirelessly for social reform
- Known for his progressive views
adjusts his spectacles thoughtfully
Born in 1847, John Lister was not just the final Shibden Hall squire, but also a remarkable historian and politician. Let me tell you about this extraordinary man:
As a Historian:
- He was Halifax's first modern historian
- Meticulously documented local history
- Discovered and decoded Anne Lister's diaries
- Preserved countless historical documents
- Founded the Halifax Antiquarian Society in 1900
As a Political Figure:
- Served as Halifax's first Labour councillor
- Championed workers' rights
- Supported the Independent Labour Party
- Worked tirelessly for social reform
- Known for his progressive views
adjusts his spectacles thoughtfully
At Shibden Hall:
- Last male heir of the Lister family
- Lived there from 1867 until 1933
- Preserved the hall's historical features
- Maintained Anne Lister's library
- Protected the estate's heritage
His Greatest Legacy:
- Safeguarding Anne Lister's diaries
- Though he considered destroying them due to their sensitive nature
- Thankfully, he preserved them with his friend Arthur Burrell
- These diaries now provide invaluable historical insights
"Ah yes, let me continue the fascinating tale of John Lister! adjusts his pocket watch with enthusiasm
pulls out additional historical documents
His Social Reforms:
- Established the Halifax Labour Journal
- Campaigned for better working conditions in Halifax mills
- Supported the creation of public libraries
- Advocated for improved housing for workers
- Used Shibden Hall for community gatherings and meetings
His Personal Life:
- Never married
- Lived with his companion Robert Parker
- Known for his generous spirit and kindness
- Dedicated his life to public service
- Lived modestly despite his family's wealth
adjusts his spectacles thoughtfully
His Work at Shibden:
- Modernized parts of the estate
- Maintained the gardens and grounds
- Opened the hall for historical research
- Preserved family documents and artifacts
- Ensured the hall's future as a public museum
The Final Years:
- Faced financial difficulties in later life
- Sold many family treasures to maintain Shibden
- Arranged for the hall to pass to Halifax Corporation
- Died in 1933, ending the Lister family line at Shibden
- Left an incredible legacy of historical preservation
pulls out a newspaper clipping
His Greatest Achievement: The preservation of Anne Lister's diaries was perhaps his most significant contribution to history. Though initially shocked by their content, he worked with Arthur Burrell to crack the secret code and recognized their historical importance. Rather than destroying them, as many might have done in that era, he ensured their preservation for future generations.
Read some of John Lister's Diary
 |
If you have enjoyed your visit to this website, please spread the word by clicking the 'like' and 'share' buttons below. Thank you