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| Outside the Parsonage |
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| The Yorkshire Moors |
Welcome to the first post under our new feature 'An Inspiration'. The aim is to provide our readers with a look into some of the most inspirational figures of our time and before. If possible, we will visit their home towns and report our findings on the blog. Any suggestions of people to report on would be helpful, and we will try to find someone that will interest everyone of our readers. We hope you enjoy!
The rain was lashing down on the Yorkshire moors as our car travelled towards the small town of Haworth. It was a sight that had inspired the Brontë family to write such books which in many people's opinions, make them some of the best writers and poets to set foot on British soil. We already knew it had been the home to the Brontë family in the 19th century, but we hoped the Brontë Parsonage Museum we tell us more.
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| The Yorkshire Moors |
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| The Graveyard |
Patrick Brontë was the parson of Haworth so the family lived in the village church. Luckily, the museum was based there so we could explore their real home. The first thing we saw was a beautiful graveyard overgrown with grass and flowers where Patrick would have undoubtedly performed many a burial. Although Emily Brontë is world famous author, you may not know she had a part to play in the teaching of the very school you pass on your way into the museum. Photos were not allowed to be taken indoors, but there was a lot to be learnt. Here's what each room taught us:
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| The Dedication |
Mr Brontë's Study - Most Parish Business was performed here, Patrick had many meals alone in the room. Many belongings he used for work are displayed and even in old age, he was seen sitting before the fire, upright as a solider.
Dining Room - Most of the world famous books were written here, it was were Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall were created. When night fell, and the rest of the family were asleep; the sisters were known to gave gathered round the fire and discuss writing. Emily is believed to have died on the sofa. After Emily and Anne's death, Charlotte still spent many an hour here, alone.
Kitchen - It was the heart of the family. The children would be told stories, read German, write poetry and bake bread.
Mr Nicholls' Study - Originally it was used for storing coal. In 1854 it was converted to Charlotte's husband's study. A window, fireplace and doorway were all added.
The Servant's Room - The Brontë's servants were seen as almost friends of the family. Local women, Tabitha Aykroyd served them for thirty years. Martha Brown assisted Tabitha and remained into Patrick Brontë's death.
Charlotte's Room - Main bedroom, it is where Mrs Brontë died. Aunt Branwell taught the girls domestic skills and needlework in the room. When Charlotte married, this was their room. She, like her mother, died here nine months later.
The Children's Study, later Emily's Room - The Brontë children played, studied and imagined new worlds here. Emily lived here in her final years.
Mr Brontë's Bedroom - Patrick Brontë moved here after the death of Mrs Brontë. When Branwell became an alcoholic and a danger to the family, he was moved here as to be watched over. Branwell also died here under the wath of the whole family in 1848.
Branwell's Studio
For a large stretch of time, it was used as a bedroom. In the late 1830s, it became Branwell's studio and you can see his work displayed here.
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| |The Brontë Medow |
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| A Bench in the Brontë Meadow |
After visiting the museum, it is now possible to visit the Brontë meadow. It is a site that has been restored to show the beauty of the moors the Brontë's both enjoyed and were inspired by... For example, the dry stone walls are suspected to have been built sometime in the 17th century!
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| In the Brontë Meadow |
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| In Haworth |
And finally, the town of Haworth can offer more information about the Brontë family. With bookshops stuffed full of the Brontë's masterpieces and even council estates named after the world famous characters, be sure to visit. In my opinion both the Brontë Parsonage Museum and the town of Haworth can offer an interesting and helpful exprience to any writer, poet or historian. Five stars from me!
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| The Heathcliff Council Estate |
