After we'd visited the Christmas Tree Festival, we went in search of the house on Market Street in Thornton where most of the Brontës (Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne) were born. It was the parsonage in their day, since their father Patrick was the minister at the Bell Chapel. It later became a butcher's shop and had the curious projecting frontage added. There was a short-lived attempt to turn it into a museum, before it became a private residence again.
Last time I visited in 2012 you couldn't go in but for the past few years it has been Emily's café/bistro. We were able to have a coffee there, right beside the dining room fireplace in front of which the Brontë children are said to have been born. I wonder if they had stockings hanging up at Christmas when they lived there?
Some of the tables in the café had been ingeniously fashioned from old-style school desks.
It had a nice ambience, full of books and memorabilia - and very good coffee and cake (though I managed to resist the cake!)
From what I've read about the Brontes they were not at all wealthy so I imagine their Christmasses were a frugal affair. I would guess the menu is a little more up-market these days too. I always find it strange one home of famous writers can become well-known while others are more obscure.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting and I imagine Bronte lovers would flock to that restaurant.
ReplyDeleteLots of atmosphere there, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos. The history is interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe cafe is quite welcoming. And a place well worth preserving.
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