• Ann's Places

    Kirkstall Abbey

    One of the best preserved 12th-century monastic sites in England. Visited by Ann Walker and Anne Lister in 1835. Gentleman Jack Anne, of course, describes the visit in her journal[1], mentioning that “A[nn] and he set off for the abbey about ¼ hour before me – I there at 10 55/..” (adding that “A[nn] & Mr B[rown] had not chosen…

  • Legacy

    ANN’S LEGACY AUCTION

    In order to raise money for Brighouse Central Foodbank for our annual fundraising to continue the legacy left in Ann Walker’s will, there are two unique items on auction. See the bottom of the blog for how the auction will run. ANNE LISTER QUILT This is a handmade quilt (with pole sleeve for wall hanging) called “Miss Lister of Shibden…

  • About Ann

    The Inquisition of Ann Walker

    By Ian Philp (Friends of St Matthew’s Churchyard) It is well known that Ann Walker was found to be of unsound mind in 1843. This short article looks only at who were the jurors at the hearing, and then what we know of how much it cost to look after her. The hearings were called “Inquisitions” meaning an enquiry, rather…

  • Legacy

    Ann Walker’s Fundraising Appeal

    Continuing the charitable tradition begun by William & Ann Walker Ann Walker’s Will Ann wrote her final will in 1841[1]. It was proved in May 1854, shortly after she died. Apart from several specific bequests and legacies, her entire estate was left to her nephew Evan Charles Sutherland. Evan was, in fact, the secondary beneficiary: in the will Ann specified…

  • About Ann

    Sussex House and Ann Walker

    It is common knowledge that in September 1843, Ann Walker was admitted to Terrace House in Osbaldwick under the care of Dr. Belcombe and whilst there was found to be of unsound mind. Documents show that Dr. Belcombe was paid for her maintenance until 13th April 1844. We believe that Ann was living with the Sutherlands in London from about…

  • Ann’s People

    Remembering Ann’s Relatives

    In remembrance of the relatives of Ann Walker who served in the two World Wars. “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” Descendants of Ann’s cousin Mary Priestley and William Henry Rawson Many of…

  • Ann’s People

    William Priestley Letters

    Believe me to be   My dear Sir Your’s [sic] most truly W. Priestley . Reading someone’s letters cannot only bring them to life, but also shed light on their personality as well as their relationships with other people. We will look at some excerpts of letters, written by William Priestley, that span from 1823 to 1834. His letters are interesting…