"Briarmains stood near the highway. It was rather an old place, and had been built ere that highway was cut, and when a lane winding up through fields was the only path conducting to it."

Charlotte Bronte; Shirley (1849)

Take a 360 degree view outside the Red House here...

The house was built in the 1660's and unusually red brick was used instead of stone. It was owned by the Taylor family who are the "Yorkes" in the novel Shirley.

"Briarmains, though certainly the mansion appeared to enjoy a quieter phase of existence than the temple. Some of its windows too were aglow; the lower casements opened upon the lawn; curtains concealed the interior, and partly obscured the ray of the candles which lit it, but they did not entirely muffle the sound of voice and laughter. We are privileged to enter that front door, and to penetrate to the domestic sanctum."

Charlotte Bronte; Shirley (1849)

Mary Taylor was one of Charlotte's closest friends. They first met at Roe Head school in 1831 and became lifelong friends. Mary is "Rose Yorke" in Shirley and Martha is "Jessie Yorke".

In Affectionate Remembrance Of Mary Taylor Of High Royd Gomersal Born February 26th 1817 Died March 1st 1893

Martha Taylor sister of Mary 1819 - 1842 Buried in Brussels "Much loved was she much loving" C Bronte

Mary and Martha Taylor are buried in St Mary's Church, Gomersal. Take a 360 degree view at the grave here...

As you enter the Graveyard (see picture) the grave is situated about 30m to the left. N53° 43.754 W001° 41.361 Elevation 510ft

Red House Museum
Oxford Road,
Gomersal,
Cleckheaton
BD19 4JP
Tel: (01274) 335100

N53° 43.945 W001° 41.186 Elevation 473

Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat & Sun 12-5pm. Access for disabled visitors to both exhibitions & ground floor of House.