"Gentleman Jack" comes to Holy Trinity, Goodramgate
The BBC TV Series ‘Gentleman Jack’ written by Sally Wainwright tells the story of Anne Lister (1791-1840) of Shibden Hall and her relationship with Ann Walker (1803-1854). The series was filmed on location across York – including at Holy Trinity Goodramgate.
Historically, Holy Trinity played a key role in the story of Anne Lister and Ann Walker. Having exchanged rings and made wills in each other’s favour, Anne Lister and Ann Walker attended Holy Trinity at Easter 1834 to take the sacrament before starting their lives together.
Their visit is recorded in Anne Lister’s famous diaries where she writes:
“Miss W & I & Thomas staid the sacrament. Almost all the congregation staid & though the church too small to hold many the service took 40 minutes. The first time I ever joined Miss W in my prayers. I had prayed that our union might be happy.” Sunday 30 March 1834.
The pew used in the filming will be hosting two of the iconic costumes by renowned fashion/costume designer Tom Pye - Ann Walker’s wedding outfit and bonnet and one of Anne Lister’s outfits and top hat. Both are as worn by the actors, Sophie Rundle and Suranne Jones.
The costumes are being generously loaned by Calderdale Museums and will be on display daily from 11am to 4pm from Wednesday 24 July to Sunday 4 August 2024 (inc). No tickets or pre-booking required – drop in and pay what you feel.
“We are so excited to be hosting these costumes. Visitors often ask where Anne Lister and Ann Walker sat when they came here. Unfortunately, we don’t have any record of that. Maybe they used a pew belonging to a friend or maybe they sat in the places set aside for visitors against the wall. We just don’t know. Having the costumes and being able to locate them exactly where the actors sat for the filming of Gentleman Jack will enable us to bring Anne and Ann’s visit to life”
- Gemma Murray, site manager.
On Sunday, 21 July, we are delighted to welcome CCT members to enjoy an exclusive talk, and drinks reception, to celebrate two costume's from the BBC TV series, "Gentleman Jack", coming to Holy Trinity Church.
During this exclusive event we will enjoy a sparkling wine drinks reception to cheer the occasion, and we will welcome Angela Clare to talk about the remarkable legacy of Anne Lister's diaries and home, the impact of Gentleman Jack, the costumes from the series, and the famous wedding at Holy Trinity in 1834.
For more information about this exciting unveiling event, please visit this web event page.
For more information or photographs please contact Gemma Murray by emailing, [email protected], or phoning, 07730 530388.