Work underway to make sure Yorkshire TV series such as Gentleman Jack can resume

Visitors to Shibden Hall in Halifax - both the filming location for Sally Wainwright's drama and, for 25 years, the real home of landowner, businesswoman, traveller, mountaineer and “first modern lesbian” Anne Lister – have more than trebled since Suranne Jones transformed her legend into a modern screen heroine.

Filming for the second series was due to take place later this year [check], but because of the coronavirus pandemic, museums and similar tourist spots have temporarily shut.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Coun Jane Scullion, said: “The Visit Calderdale team is working closely with industry partners to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Calderdale’s screen tourism economy.

“We are working in partnership with Screen Yorkshire and other film partners to focus on creating a safe, film-friendly environment, to ensure that production companies can confidently choose Calderdale as a safe filming and production space.

"This will include promoting the use of outdoor locations where possible and providing support and guidance in line with Government protocol.”

The hall, which dates back 600 years, was redesigned by Miss Lister herself.

Though she did not live to see it - she was born in 1791 and died in 1840 in Georgia - the hall’s tower on the far side was built at the direction of Miss Lister.

After she took it over, part of the ceiling was taken out and panelled, fireplaces were installed and her initials placed over the entrance to the staircase.