Mary Taylor

Gomersal Lodge was formerly named High Royd and was built for Mary Taylor upon her return from New Zealand in 1860.
Mary Taylor



was renowned for her close friendship with Charlotte Bronte, which lasted until Charlotte’s death in 1855. She was an inspiration and a driving force to Charlotte Bronte, encouraging her to travel to Brussels, which provided the experience on which her novels “Villette” and “The Professor” were based.
The Taylor family and their home, Red House in Gomersal (now the Red House Museum) are recognised as the models for the Yorke Family and Briarmains in Charlotte Bronte’s novel “Shirley”. Rose Yorke is based on Mary Taylor.
Mary Taylor was also an author of some repute in her time, with “Miss Miles” and “A Tale of Yorkshire Life 60 Years Ago”. She also wrote many published articles and treatise asserting feminist views.
Mary Taylor lived at High Royd until her death on 1st March 1893. She is buried in the graveyard of St Mary’s Parish Church in Gomersal.
Gomersal Lodge
189 Spen Lane, Gomersal
Cleckheaton
BD19 4PJ

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In the hard-fought battle for women’s rights, Mary Taylor of Red House (born 1817) was an early pioneer. Refusing to accept restrictions in law, employment, education and society she urged women to win independence and financial security. Mary wrote important feminist articles for a national magazine and published three books. Her extraordinary life included teaching boys (unheard of!) in Germany, leading other women mountain climbing in Europe and influencing her friend, Charlotte Brontë. Also lived at High Rising in Spen Lane and is buried at St Mary’s, Gomersal.
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As the home of Charlotte’s close lifelong friend Mary Taylor, Red House played a significant role in Charlotte’s life and in the novel Shirley.