In a long-overdue correction, the memorial honoring Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë at Westminster Abbey has finally received its missing diaereses, nearly 85 years after its installation. The two dots above the 'e' in Brontë, crucial for the correct pronunciation of their surname, were absent since the memorial's placement on October 8, 1939, just a week after World War II began.
Sharon Wright, a journalist and Brontë historian editing the Brontë Society Gazette, brought this oversight to light during a research visit to Poets' Corner. Wright's keen observation led to swift action by the Very Rev Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, who promptly arranged for the Abbey's stonemason to add the missing punctuation.
The Brontë sisters, born in Thornton, Yorkshire, are renowned for their literary contributions that have stood the test of time. Charlotte Brontë, the eldest, penned the classic "Jane Eyre" in 1847, while Emily Brontë's sole novel, "Wuthering Heights," was published the same year. Anne Brontë, the youngest, authored "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," considered one of the first feminist novels.
"These three Yorkshirewomen deserve their place here, but they also deserve to have their name spelled correctly."
The sisters' literary journey began under male pseudonyms - Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell - reflecting the challenges faced by female authors of their time. Their works, initially met with mixed reviews, later gained widespread acclaim for their strong female protagonists and exploration of complex themes.
The Brontë family's legacy extends beyond their novels. Their childhood imaginary worlds of Angria and Gondal significantly influenced their writing, while their brother Branwell Brontë was also a writer and painter. The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth now preserves their former home, offering insights into their lives and creative processes.
The correction of the memorial comes at a poignant time, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of its installation. Rebecca Yorke, director of the Brontë Society, expressed gratitude for the Abbey's prompt response, emphasizing the global love and respect for the Brontës and their work.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of the Brontë sisters' contributions to literature. Their novels have been adapted into numerous films, TV series, and stage productions, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. The Brontë Society, founded in 1893, continues to promote their legacy, ensuring that the sisters' impact on English literature remains recognized and celebrated.
As we reflect on this correction, it's worth noting that Charlotte Brontë, the last surviving sister, passed away in 1855 at the age of 38. The memorial's formal unveiling was delayed until July 19, 1947, due to World War II, perhaps contributing to the oversight of the missing diaereses.
This small but significant correction to the Brontë memorial underscores the importance of accuracy in preserving historical legacies. It also highlights the ongoing engagement with literary history, proving that even after nearly two centuries, the Brontë sisters continue to captivate readers and scholars alike.