Revamped Bronte Sisters Memorial Honors Legacy after 85 Years
The Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, are renowned for their literary contributions that have left a lasting impact on the world of literature. Their works, including “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall,” have captured the hearts of readers for generations. To honor their legacy, a memorial was unveiled in Westminster Abbey in 1939, recognizing the talented siblings from Haworth, West Yorkshire. However, it wasn’t until recently that a crucial detail was corrected, ensuring the proper spelling of the Bronte name.
Historical Background of the Bronte Sisters
Born in the early 19th century in the town of Thornton in West Yorkshire, the Bronte sisters were the daughters of Patrick Bronte and Maria Branwell. After their mother’s death, the siblings were sent to the Clergy Daughters’ School in Cowan Bridge, an experience that would later inspire Charlotte Bronte’s novel “Jane Eyre.” Despite facing various challenges and tragedies in their lives, the Bronte sisters found solace in writing and went on to produce some of the most beloved works in English literature.
Charlotte Bronte, the eldest of the three sisters, published her first novel, “Jane Eyre,” under the pseudonym Currer Bell in 1847. The novel was a groundbreaking success and established Charlotte as a prominent literary figure. Emily Bronte’s only novel, “Wuthering Heights,” was published in 1847, showcasing her unique writing style and exploring themes of love, revenge, and obsession. Anne Bronte, the youngest sister, also made significant contributions to literature with her novels, including “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.”
The Revamped Bronte Sisters Memorial
The Bronte sisters’ memorial in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner has stood as a tribute to their literary achievements for over 80 years. However, it was historian Sharon Wright who noticed a glaring omission in the memorial – the absence of diaereses above the letter “e” in the Bronte name. The diaereses, two dots that indicate the pronunciation of the name, were crucial in ensuring the correct spelling and pronunciation of the iconic surname.
After raising the issue with the Dean of Westminster, Dr. David Hoyle, the abbey’s stonemason was tasked with adding the missing diaereses to the memorial. The conservator then carefully painted the dots above the “e,” finally completing the Bronte sisters’ names as intended. This correction was a significant moment for Bronte enthusiasts worldwide, as the iconic authors’ names were now properly represented in Poets’ Corner.
Impact of the Revamped Memorial
The addition of the diaereses to the Bronte sisters’ memorial symbolizes a renewed commitment to honoring their legacy and ensuring that their contributions to literature are remembered accurately. The correction serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical accuracy and paying tribute to the influential figures who have shaped our cultural landscape.
Rebecca Yorke, director of the Bronte Society, expressed her excitement over the corrected memorial, emphasizing the global significance of the Bronte sisters’ work. The enduring popularity of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte’s novels highlights the timeless appeal of their storytelling and the lasting impact of their literary legacy.
In conclusion, the revamped Bronte sisters memorial in Westminster Abbey stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte. The corrected spelling of their names ensures that future generations will continue to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of these talented siblings to the world of literature.