There’s plenty to celebrate at the “Wuthering Heights” author’s home town with the exciting Bronte 200 inextricably linked to the atmospheric Bronte Parsonage Museum in Haworth, West Yorkshire.
Today (Monday 30th July) marks the 200th birthday of Emily Bronte, the second eldest of the authorly sisters and creator of Wuthering Heights.
This is a reminder of the cultural bonanza that is Bronte 200, a five year programme celebrating these literary icons.It all started with Charlotte’s 200th moment in 2016 and will finish with Anne’s in 2020, so lots of excuses for return visits to this lovely area in Yorkshire…and there’s so much for groups to enjoy
Web: www.bronte.org.uk/bronte-200
The main event for 2018 is Making Thunder Roar, an exhibition (ends 1st January) that sees voices of the present (model Lily Cole and actress Maxine Peake) pay tribute to Emily.(free with £8.50 museum entry).
Bringing the Brontës to the world and the world to Yorkshire
Welcome to Brontë200 – a five year culture-rich programme celebrating the bicentenaries of the births of four of the Brontës and sure to appeal to your coaching groups.
You may remember the programme started back in 2016 with Charlotte and Branwell in 2017. The celebrations continue this year with Emily’s birthday today (30th July) and then Anne in 2020.
Also, there’s plenty to look forward to when, in 2019, the Brontë Society will celebrate Rev Patrick Brontë, 200 years after he was invited to take up the role of parson in Haworth. Hopefully offering lots of excuses for short breaks into this welcoming and beautiful part of West Yorkshire.
The Brontë Society recognises that Brontë enthusiasts, scholars, museums, literary societies, festivals, theatre companies, art galleries, writers, artists and individuals all over the world will want to join in celebrating this inspirational family and has produced an excellent website to act as a hub for bicentenary celebrations across the globe, This is a very special chapter in the Brontë family story
Web: www.bronte.org.uk
Happy Birthday to Kate Bush who is 60 today!
A double celebration – Wuthering Heights was the inspiration for the singer’s iconic debut single in 1978 and in recognition Kate has contributed a piece of prose to The Bronte Stones, a project devised by the Bradford Literature Festival. Stone slabs have been engraved with wise words in tribute to the Brontes, laid between Haworth and the sisters’ birthplace in the village of Thornton. You can stroll the route for eight miles. (bradfordlitfest.co.uk/the-bronte-stones)
The Bronte Way..
The Brontes set their novels in the moody countryside around their home which is why the Bronte Way (bronte-country.com/bronte-way.html) connects many pertinent places as it winds 43 miles from Birstall to Padiham. Allow four days to walk and be rewarded with the sight of Top Withens, the ruined farmhouse on which Emily based Wuthering Heights and the tortured Heathcliff’s gloomy abode.
Welcome to the Brontë Society.
The Bronte Society is one of the oldest literary societies in the world, founded in 1893 and today has a thriving worldwide membership. The Brontë Society is a charity and depends entirely on admissions and the generosity of members for its income. It is responsible for running the famous Brontë Parsonage Museum in the picturesque village of Haworth in West Yorkshire, once the home of the Brontë family and also for promoting the Brontës’ literary legacy within contemporary society.
The Brontë collections at the Brontë Parsonage Museum are the largest and most important in the world and continue to inspire scholars, writers and artists. Their Contemporary Arts Programme includes literary events, exhibitions, artistic responses, a competition and festivals, and a lifelong learning programme enables them to reach students of all ages across the country.
©The Brontë Society
Becoming a member of the Brontë Society supports their work especially as they celebrate the bicentenaries of Charlotte Brontë in 2016, Branwell Brontë in 2017, Emily Brontë in 2018 and Anne Brontë in 2020. The Museum and shop are open every day except 24-27 December and 2-31 January. Opening hours are as follows:
November – March:10am – 5pm
April – October: 10am – 5.30pm
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Tickets are valid for 12 months from date of issue.
Brontë Parsonage Museum, Church Street, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 8DR, United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1535 642323;
Fax :+44(0)1535 647131;
Email: bronte@bronte.org.uk
Advance booking is required for groups of 10 or more visitors. Special group rates are available. Please phone the Museum on 01535 640192
Their VIP tours offer the opportunity to experience the Museum in the company of one of their knowledgeable guides. Advance booking is required. .
Please note that access to the Brontë Parsonage Museum for customers with mobility issues is limited. Phone 01535 642323 for advice in advance and they will do their best to help with visitors’ special needs. The Museum does not currently have any toilets but there are some close by in the car park adjacent to the Museum. Haworth has a wealth of places to eat and drink, many just a few minutes’ walk from the Museum.
For other events taking place in and around Haworth see www.visitbradford.com or www.haworth-village.org.uk
Choose a Bronte Walk and create your perfect visit
Brontë Walks can assist you in discovering the rich tapestry of landscapes, history, stories and people that combine to make visiting Yorkshire such a wonderful experience.
They offer a range of services, guided tours and walks to tailor-make your visit and can even book your lunch and afternoon tea stops
Web: brontewalks.co.uk
