York events mark 190th anniversary of Anne Lister's and Ann Walker's union

Anne Lister was a prolific diarist who lived at Shibden Hall between 1791 and 1840

A series of events have taken place to mark the 190th anniversary of diarist Anne Lister and her lover Ann Walker sealing their union at a York church.

Lister, who has been described as the "first modern lesbian", penned some five million words in her lifetime.

On 30 March 1834, she and Ann Walker took the sacrament at Holy Trinity Church in Goodramgate and started life as a married couple.

Church visitors were invited to celebrate the anniversary.

A day-long programme was held at the Holy Trinity Church, including costumed actors, a book launch and plum cake and tea in the pews.

Lister lived at Shibden Hall between 1791 and 1840 and her journals, which give an insight into her life as a lover, traveller and landowner, were recognised as a "pivotal" document by the United Nations in 2011.

A plaque at Holy Trinity Church in Goodramgate, York

A committee described them as "a comprehensive and painfully honest account of lesbian life and reflections on her nature".

Lister's legacy has also become an important tourism driver for the area of West Yorkshire where she lived, especially after the international success of BBC television series Gentleman Jack.