Biography – Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte was born on April 21, 1816, in Thornton, Bradford, Yorkshire, as the third of six Bronte children. Tragedy struck in 1821 when her mother passed away due to cancer. In 1824, Charlotte and her sisters, Maria, Elizabeth, and Emily, attended the newly established Clergy Daughters’ School at Cowan Bridge. Their time there was marked by a harsh regime, cold conditions, and meager food. In June 1825, Charlotte and her sisters were finally rescued from the school for good. Unfortunately, Maria and Elizabeth, Charlotte’s two eldest sisters, succumbed to consumption, largely attributed to the poor conditions at the school. This experience, coupled with the loss of her siblings, had a profound impact on Charlotte.

In 1829, Charlotte began to delve into writing, creating stories with titles like “The Search After Happiness” and “History of the Year.” She also collaborated on stories with her brother Branwell, crafting the Angrian and Glasstown sagas together.

In January 1831, she enrolled at Roe Head, where she forged a lifelong friendship with Ellen Nussey. By June 1832, she had completed her education at Roe Head and returned there as a teacher in July 1835. However, she resigned from her teaching position in May 1838 and returned to Haworth.

In February 1842, Charlotte, along with her sister Emily, left Haworth to attend the Pensionnat Heger in Brussels. During their time there, they immersed themselves in learning French, German, and music. In January 1843, Charlotte returned to Brussels, this time as an English teacher. She left Brussels in January 1844 and returned to Haworth, where an unsuccessful attempt was made to establish a school.

In May 1846, under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, a book of poems was published, featuring 19 contributions by Charlotte. She also made an unsuccessful attempt to publish her novel “The Professor.” However, in August, she commenced writing the novel “Jane Eyre,” which was published in October 1847 and quickly became a bestseller. In October 1849, her novel “Shirley” was published, followed by “Villette” in January 1853.

On June 29, 1854, Charlotte Bronte married A.B. Nicholls. Tragically, she passed away on March 31, 1855. She was laid to rest in the family vault at Haworth church on April 4, 1855.

In March 1857, Elizabeth Gaskell published “The Life of Charlotte Bronte.” In June of the same year, Charlotte Bronte’s novel “Shirley” was published.

Lastly, on June 29, 2004, a re-enactment of Charlotte Bronte’s marriage to Arthur Bell Nicholls took place at Haworth Parish Church.