Red House - Kirklees

The Red House, Gomersal, in the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire

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.

Opening Times and Admission

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 and maintained by
Eagle Intermedia Publishing Ltd.