A walk around Gomersal next month will celebrate the life of Mary Taylor, close friend of Charlotte Bronte.

The pioneering early feminist who lived at Red House, Gomersal, in the early 19th century, refused to be bound by the traditional roles expected of middle-class women at that time and lived an independent life.

In 1845 she emigrated to New Zealand where she started a shop business. After returning to Gomersal in 1860 she spent 33 years writing and travelling.

The three-mile walk starts at Red House car park in Oxford Road at 2.30pm on Sunday, May 15, taking in places Mary knew, including her later Gomersal home High Royd, now Gomersal Lodge hotel.

The walk ends with refreshments and a private viewing of Red House, finishing at 5.30pm. The event costs £7. Booking is essential with Helen’s Heritage Walks on (01274) 532425. An exhibition called Mary Taylor: Strong Minded Woman is also showing.