Red House - Kirklees
Red House in Gomersal, a village south of Bradford was once the home of Charlotte Brontė's close friend Mary Taylor. This former cloth merchants residence is beautifully furnished as a family home of the 1830s, from the elegant parlour to the stone flagged kitchens. Charlotte stayed there often in the 1830s and the Taylors appear as the "Yorkes" and the house as "Briarmains" in her novel "Shirley".
In the old Barn a stunning exhibition called "The Secret's Out" tells the story of Charlotte Brontė's connections with the area and the friendships she developed locally. Find out how Charlotte kept in touch with her friends, what choices were available to women of her day, and "listen in" to her correspondence using the latest audio technology.
Delightful restored 1830s gardens provide an enchanting setting for the house take a stroll amongst scented old roses, ornamental flower basket beds and unusual old varieties of plants and shrubs.
In the restored Cartsheds the Spen Valley Stories exhibition lets you relive 20th century life through the voices, pictures and mementoes of local residents.
- Interpret Britain Award 2000
- Loo of the Year Award 2001
- Sandford Award for Heritage Education 2005 and 2010
- VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2011
Opening Times and Admission
- Red House is open 11:00 - 17:00 on weekdays and 12:00 - 17:00 on weekends.
- "The Secret's Out" and "Spen Valley Stories" close at 16:30 daily.
Opening days and times will change from 1 November 2012 please telephone for details.
From 1st June 2012 admission charges will be introduced at Red House of:
- Adults £2.50
- Children £1.00
- Family £6.00
There will also be a new excellent value Joint Annual Ticket offering unlimited admission for one year to both Red House and Oakwell Hall costing just:
- Adults £6.00
- Children £2.50
- Family £14.50
Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy your visits to Kirklees historic attractions.
For further information and group booking enquiries, please contact:
Red House
Oxford Road
Gomersal
West Yorkshire
BD19 4JP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1274 335100
Internet details:
[Please mention the Eagle Intermedia Bronte Country web site when making your enquiry.]Red House is owned and maintained by Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
Bronte Country is designed, maintained and promoted by Eagle Intermedia Publishing Ltd.