Bronte Dewsbury 200 Festival Details Announced
Mention the Brontės and their Yorkshire connections and people immediately think of Haworth and Bradford, or more local sites such as Red House in Gomersal and Oakwell Hall in Birstall.
But the Brontė's Yorkshire story actually began in Dewsbury where Patrick Brontė arrived as a Curate at All Saints' Parish Church (now known as the Minster) in 1809. He quickly established himself as a force for good in the parish and was particularly supportive of the poorer classes in the town. He went on to become the father of three of the most famous women in English literature - Emily, Charlotte and Anne.
Two hundred years since his arrival in Dewsbury, the town is celebrating its part in the legacy with Brontė Dewsbury 200, Friday 25 - Sunday 27 September 2009.
"As a Curate Patrick could have gone anywhere in the country, or even abroad. But he came to Dewsbury and from there moved onto Hartshead, then Thornton in Bradford and finally, in 1820, to Haworth where he preached until his death in 1861. Had he not come to Dewsbury that Yorkshire connection may never have happened and that is why we are celebrating," said Denis Ripley, chair of the Brontė Dewsbury 200 organising group.
Over the last year the group, including representatives from Dewsbury Minster, Dewsbury Matters history group and Kirklees Museums and Galleries, have put together a programme of concerts, talks, walks and an exhibition which look at Patrick's life, work and impact on the town during his two year stay as well the lives and works of his famous children. There will also be a specially brewed beer to mark the occasion.
The festival, which is being supported by the Dewsbury Area Committee, has already attracted interest from across the country and around the world.
Chair of the Area Committee Councillor Masood Ahmed commented: "We are very pleased to be involved with Brontė Dewsbury 200 which will raise the profile of the town as far as Yorkshire's Brontė legacy is concerned. It will also give local people the chance to find out more about their town's history."
The above information has been supplied by the Bronte Dewsbury 200 organising group. For more information, please visit http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/brontefestival
[N.B. Please mention the Eagle Intermedia Bronte Country website when making your enquiries.]
[News item posted September 2009.]
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