Brontë Country Historical Attractions
Haworth is renowned for its famous residents, the Brontës. Charlotte, Anne and Emily penned the classic novels such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre during this time.
Their home is now the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where you'll find many of their possessions, left as they would have been in the their day. An interesting exhibition gives more information on the Brontës and their works and a well-stocked shop sells Brontë literature and gifts.
During the Brontës time, Haworth was an industrial township where the leading industry was the production of wool. It can only be imagined that living in Haworth, during this time would have been difficult. Standards of living and life expectancy were low, with the average age at death a mere 25.
Haworth Parish Church dates from the 15th century and the Brontës are buried in a family vault inside the church, with the exception of Anne who was buried in Scarborough. It is thought that over forty thousand people were buried in the graveyard. This overcrowding caused serious sanitation problems when the Brontës lived in Haworth, as it is thought the water supply ran through the graveyard.
Other places to visit if you are interested in the Brontës include Top Withens considered to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights.
To further explore the history of Brontë Country why not visit East Riddlesden Hall, built in the 17th century. East Riddlesden has a wonderful collection of embroideries, textiles and Yorkshire oak furniture.
Close-by you will find Cliffe Castle Museum, a former mansion built between 1875 - 1882, home to a changing programme of exhibitions, as well as some excellent permanent displays.
Alternatively step back in time and travel around Brontë Country by steam train on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway starts in Keighley and takes you through the countryside of Brontë Country and finishes in Oxenhope.
