Brontë Sisters' Memorial in Westminster Abbey Gets Linguistic Makeover
After 84 years, the Brontë sisters' memorial in Westminster Abbey has been corrected to include diaereses in their surname. The change ensures proper pronunciation and honors their literary legacy.
In a significant linguistic update, the memorial to the Brontë sisters in London's Westminster Abbey has undergone a subtle yet meaningful correction. The stone tablet, installed in October 1939, has been amended to include the diaereses—two dots over the 'e' in their surname—after an 84-year oversight.
This correction, implemented on September 26, 2024, ensures the proper pronunciation of the family name as "brontay" rather than "bront." The initiative was spearheaded by Sharon Wright, a Brontë historian and editor of the Brontë Society Gazette, who brought the matter to the attention of Dean of Westminster David Hoyle.
The Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—were prolific 19th-century authors born in Thornton, Yorkshire. Their literary contributions, including "Jane Eyre," "Wuthering Heights," and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," have left an indelible mark on English literature. These works, published in 1847 and 1848 respectively, continue to captivate readers with their strong female protagonists and Gothic elements.
Interestingly, the sisters initially published under male pseudonyms: Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. This practice was common for female authors of their time, reflecting the societal constraints they faced. Their father, Patrick Brontë, an Anglican clergyman, is believed to have changed the family surname from Brunty or Prunty upon moving to England from Ireland.
The Brontë sisters' lives were tragically short, with all three dying before the age of 40. Charlotte, the eldest, passed away at 38 in 1855, while Emily and Anne died at 30 and 29 in 1848 and 1849, respectively. Despite their brief lives, their literary legacy has endured for nearly two centuries.
Rebecca Yorke, director of the Brontë Society, welcomed the memorial's correction, stating:
"As the Brontës and their work are loved and respected all over the world, it's entirely appropriate that their name is spelled correctly on their memorial."
This amendment not only rectifies a long-standing oversight but also pays homage to the sisters' Yorkshire roots and their significant contributions to world literature. The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, West Yorkshire, continues to preserve their legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into the environment that shaped these remarkable authors.
The correction of the Westminster Abbey memorial serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the Brontë sisters and the importance of accuracy in honoring historical figures. It also highlights the ongoing relevance of their works, which continue to be studied, adapted, and cherished by readers worldwide.
