Open days tell 'forgotten chapter' in Brontë story

The birthplace of world-famous literary sisters Charlotte, Anne and Emily Brontë is to open to the public, alongside a walking tour and exhibition.

The Brontë Birthplace in Thornton, Bradford, will be free to visitors on 13 September as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme.

An exhibition at the home on Market Road will explore the history of the building, and what happened after the literary sisters left their birthplace in Thornton to move to the Haworth Parsonage in 1820.

There will also be a free walking tour of Thornton on 19 September to share the "forgotten chapter in the Brontë story", according to the Brontë Birthplace.

Vice Chair of the Brontë Birthplace Thomas Haigh said the building "enjoyed a rich history" after the family's departure.

"We want to share this 200-year story with our visitors as well as showcase the challenges, discoveries and community effort behind the restoration and how this remarkable building continues to evolve and serve a new generation of visitors," he said.

The exhibition will feature photographs, building plans and residents' memories of their time in the house, which has also been a butcher's shop and cafe.

Led by local historian Paul Crossley, the two-hour tour will begin at the Brontë Birthplace and includes the Brontë Bell Chapel ruins, Kipping House and South Square Centre.

Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture which takes place annually in September.

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