Branwell Bronte, successful in his own right

Branwell is noted for his alcohol consumption and opium taking but he was a successful poet and painter in his own right, and doesn’t always get the credit that his talents fully deserve.

Charlotte and Branwell cared for each other. They were inspired by their poems and he once walked 40 miles to visit her at the Rydings in Birstall.
He declared he was leaving her in paradise, with lawns, chestnut trees, fruit gardens and a rookery.
Rydings is believed to have partly inspired Thornfield Hall in Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre.

On another occasion Branwell walked 20 miles to visit Charlotte at Roe Head School in Mirfield.

Simon Zonenblick, a librarian in Leeds, living at Sowerby Bridge, is hoping to produce a short documentary film in March covering the period in which Branwell Bronte worked as a railway clerk.
If anyone can help Simon with information on Branwell Bronte, please contact him at [email protected].

Also can any readers help Pauline and Sean at the New North Road fish and chip shop in Heckmondwike, who are searching for any information, memories or old photographs of the building, which they believe dates back to 1922.

JOHN APPLEYARD

Firthcliffe Parade

Liversedge