This HBO period drama series, created by Sally Wainwright, tells the incredible and true story of Anne Lister, considered by some historians to be the “first modern lesbian”. Like lots of modern lesbians, Anne enjoyed dressing like man, travelling with girlfriends, seducing ladies and not being told what to do by men. However, she lived in the 1800s, where being a modern lesbian was not as easy as it is today.
Suranne Jones (left) as Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack.
She was born into a wealthy, landed family in Halifax and lived at Shibden Hall. She eventually inherited the estate, which was unusual for a woman at the time, and ran it very successfully, expanding her business interests to city properties, roads and canals, stone quarries and early collieries. The series is shot on location at Shibden Hall, which is now an historic house.