Anne Lister’s Edinburgh
We’re combining LGBT+ History Month with Women’s History Month, to deep dive into Anne Lister’s Edinburgh with a special walking tour and exclusive afternoon tea at the Georgian House.
About Anne Lister’s Edinburgh
Everyone’s favourite 19th century social climber is back at the Georgian House!
Ever wondered what it would have been like to, in Anne’s own words “only love the fairer sex” two hundred years ago?
Retrace Anne’s footsteps through the grand Georgian streets of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage New Town with expert Stef Lauer. Explore the untold stories of women’s circles, secret codes and stolen kisses between the ladies of the landed gentry. Then join us at the Georgian House for tea and cake in our beautiful 19th century Drawing Room. The refurbished rooms will be open for you to enjoy during this exclusive event!
Walking time - 1:30pm - 4pm (leisurely stroll)
Tea, cake and open house - 4pm - 5pm
Edinburgh is a very walkable city but we advise sturdy footwear and to come equipped for all weathers. It is Scotland after all! We also encourage you to bring headphones with a standard jack so you can plug into the headsets. This is especially helpful if you have trouble hearing in public spaces!!
The walk covers 3 miles (5km) with some uneven ground. Afternoon tea will be served in the Georgian House Drawing Room which is only accessible by a flight of stairs.
After a sold out event for Pride last year, star of the hit HBO/BBC tv series Gentleman Jack AKA the real life 19th century lesbian Anne Lister, is back!
But who was she?
Regency landowner Anne Lister visited Edinburgh in 1828. Anne is considered to be the Western World’s first modern lesbian. As she toured the city, she was entertained in homes just like the Georgian House.
We know so much about Anne because of the five million words she left behind in a series of diaries. About one fifth of these are written in a code of her own devising. They detail her intimate connections with other women and her desire for a long-term partner. One of the main reasons she visited Scotland was in pursuit of Sibella Maclean, who Anne met in York in 1820. Sibella’s good breeding as a member of an ancient Scottish family offered Anne social advancement. They visited Sibella’s family home on the Isle of Mull on their tour of Scotland.
During her stay in Edinburgh, Anne recounts in her diaries the places she visited and her (rather strong) opinions of them.
Of Arthur’s Seat she muses “got to the top in 10 minutes…well worth the trouble… ladies should not attempt it”.
Oh Anne…
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