Shibden Hall

Shibden Hall is a historic house in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England dating back to around 1420, when it was recorded as being inhabited by one William Oates. For three hundred years it was in the hands of the Lister family (c. 1615-1826). Its most famous resident was Anne Lister (1791-1840), who became sole owner of the hall after the death of her aunt. It is currently open to the public, with the Yorkshire Folk Museum housed in the adjoining barn and farm buildings.

The Grade II listed hall has been extensively modified from its original design by generations of residents, although its Tudor half timbered frontage remains its most recognisable feature.

The park and gardens are currently being restored with almost £4 million [ [http://www.hlf.org.uk/English/GrantsDatabase/grantsproject?applicationID=17682 Heritage Lottery Fund grants database] ] from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £230,000 from Calderdale Council [ [http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/openspaces/parks/shibdenpark/restoration.html Calderdale Council] ] . The major features of the park including terraced gardens, rock gardens, cascades, and the boating lake were commissioned by Anne Lister in the 1830s [ [http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/leisure/openspaces/parks/shibdenpark/landscape.html Calderdale Council] ] and a "Paisley Shawl" garden designed for the terrace by Joshua Major was added in 1850s. The park also contains a dry stone walling exhibition, childrens play area and miniature steam railway.

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