No Priest But Love

Anne Lister: Three women, two marriages and one new play

Explore the stories of Ann Walker and Marianna Belcome with a talk at Holy Trinity Goodramgate followed by a short guided walk to Merchant Taylors Hall and a performance of the new play, No Priest But Love. All money raised by this event will go towards the restoration of Holy Trinity's gate on Goodramgate.

Writer and historian Angela Clare will talk about the remarkable legacy of Anne Lister's five-million word diaries and her home at Shibden Hall. The talk will focus on Lister's relationship with Ann Walker and the famous wedding at Holy Trinity in 1834, featured in Sally Wainwright's TV series 'Gentleman Jack', and in Angela's novel The Moss House. Angela will also share Lister's lifelong relationship with Mariana Belcome, their 'wedding' in 1816 and introduce the play No Priest But Love, co-written with Lister biographer Helena Whitbread, before its first performance in York.

No Priest But Love

In the shadowed world of candlelit Shibden Hall, desire burns and secrets unravel. Set in the 1820s, No Priest But Love is a moving drama of a love that dare not speak its name. In the beautiful historic setting of Merchant Taylor's Hall in York, the play will be performed script-in-hand by three actors, produced by Penny Magpie Theatre. Helena Whitbread MBE has published biographies of Anne Lister and passionately shared her writing and research over the last 50 years. This play has been adapted by Angela Clare from a script first penned by Helena in 1996. Angela and Helena have collaborated several times over the years to share Anne’s story through talks, publications, films, exhibitions and now a play.

Running Order

• 1400 to 1430: Gather and have a look around Holy Trinity Goodramgate
• 1430 to 1530 approx: talk from Angela Clare - Anne Lister: Three women, two marriages and one new play
• 1530 to 1600: guided walk to Merchant Taylors
• 1630 to 1730: Performance of No Priest But Love at Merchant Taylors
• 1730 to 1900: Option of drinks and socialising at Merchant Taylors

Holy Trinity Goodramgate

On Sunday 30 March 1834, Anne Lister and Ann Walker visited Holy Trinity Goodramgate. 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.”

The Goodramgate gate has been the entry to Holy Trinity since the 1700s with the iron gate being added in the 1800s. Both are now in urgent need of restoration and repair.

For the talk seating will be in the historic box pews which also date back to before Anne and Ann's visit.

Merchant Taylors Hall

Merchant Taylors Hall has a long history as a venue for new theatre in York. Prior to the building of York Theatre Royal, it was rented by impresario Thomas Keregan to host plays and other entertainment.

Access Information

At Holy Trinity Goodramgate, the floors are uneven, light levels are low and the temperature is always colder than that outside. Seating is unallocated and in fixed box pews - sightlines vary and you may be asked to share a pew with others. There is a single, accessible toilet for emergency use only. The building is wheelchair accessible save for St James and the Sunken Chapel - this should not impact your enjoyment of this event.

Additional information can be found here: Holy Trinity (Goodramgate) Church, York - Churches Conservation Trust

If you have any specific questions, please contact [email protected]

Information for Merchant Taylors can be found here: Modern and Vibrant The Merchant Taylors York — Merchant Taylors York. There are toilets at Merchant Taylors and the building is wheelchair accessible.

Please note that there will be a short walk through the streets of York to get from one venue to the other.

Biographies

Speaker Angela Clare is based in Halifax and has over twenty years' experience working in the heritage sector, including 10 years at Shibden Hall. Her work has primarily been researching, writing and sharing stories through exhibitions, events, talks, publications and online. She has published on Anne Lister and wrote the novel The Moss House published in 2019. Angela is currently completing a second novel focusing on Mariana Lawton and is studying for a PhD in creative writing.

"The Moss House is a wonderful book. Clara Barley transports the reader historically whilst entertaining them emotionally. I felt a profound sadness when I finished reading The Moss House and I'll be thinking about it for a very long time. It's a wonderful read" - Linda's Book Bag.

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Host or Publisher Holy Trinity Goodramgate (part of the CCT)