Real Places in...Shirley

Set during the Luddite uprising of 1812, Shirley takes place in the  fictitional parishes of  Briarfield and Nunneley, which Charlotte Brontë based on Birstall and Hartshead in the Spen Valley in Yorkshire. 

Oakwell Hall

The novel opens at Hollows Mill. Brontë based the mill and cottage on Hunsworth Mill and Hunsworth House, which has since been demolished and is now a private industrial estate. An integral part of Shirley, Oakwell Hall appeared as Fieldhead, the home of heroine Shirley Keeldar, which the author describes as  "picturesque, sepia-toned and the very desire of the eye".  

The Red House

When Robert Moore is shot, it is his friend, Mr Yorke, who looks after him at his house, Briarmains, Briarmains is based on Red House in Gomersal.