"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will." From Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

For your information - if you click on the pictures you will get a larger and clearer image.

 Today we ventured south to Haworth, home of the Brontes. Travelling by bus, steam train (a bucket list item for Andrew) and foot, we climbed a very steep cobblestone road and arrived at the parsonage home of the Bronte family. Patrick Bronte was born in Ireland, became an Anglican clergyman and moved to England. He was well educated and encouraged his children's learning and creativity. He married Maria Branwell and they had six children, but only 4 survived into adulthood. The 2 eldest sisters, Maria and Elizabeth died in childhood. Charlotte, Emily and Anne all penned well known books and Branwell, the only boy, was also very talented but struggled with addiction which affected his family deeply. Maria passed when the children were very young and her sister was called to come and live in the parsonage to help with the upbringing of the children. It was very solemn walking through their home containing many original items belonging to the family. 

Learning the local bus system.

A walk back in time. Pretty sure this station was used in one of the episodes of "All Creatures Great and Small".

The interior of the steam train - the seats have really worn over the years, but you could certainly imagine the beauty of this mode of transportation.

The pace and the motion of the steam train lulled me to sleep.

This was described as a 'mild' climb but I'm pretty sure they made a mistake.

A long, narrow and steep cobblestone street, very close living quarters.

The parsonage/home of the Brontes. The original home was the square section and the rooms were very small - certainly no room for a queen bed!!

The church was directly behind the house and there used to be a gate that the children would go through in that stone wall.

This painting of the sisters was done by Branwell and he originally had himself in it, but you can see where he altered the painting and his image is faded out.

Writing implements used by the children.

This dress was all handsewn by Charlotte - it must have taken many days.

The children's backyard play area - so pretty.

Many original books in the study - I think Andrew would have liked to get his hands on them.

A statue of the three sisters in the back garden.

It was a day trip worth taking and really enjoyed learning some of the history of this family. We will tuck away early tonight so we can climb up to the moors tomorrow and spend our last day in Ilkley roaming at a slower pace in preparation for our serious walking.