Charlotte Brontë Biography
Early Life
Charlotte Brontë was born on April 21, 1816, in Thornton, Bradford, Yorkshire, the third of six Brontë children. Tragedy was a recurring theme in the Brontë family story, striking early; in 1821, her mother died of cancer.
In 1824, Charlotte attended the newly opened Clergy Daughters' School at Cowan Bridge with her sisters Maria, Elizabeth, and Emily. Life there was harsh, with a strict regime, cold classrooms, and inadequate food.
In June 1825, Charlotte and her surviving sisters were brought home, but the poor conditions had already taken a toll. Her two eldest sisters, Maria and Elizabeth, died of consumption—a loss that left a lasting impact on Charlotte.
Writing Beginnings
In 1829, Charlotte began writing stories, including The Search After Happiness and History of the Year. She also worked with her brother Branwell on the Angrian and Glasstown sagas, imaginary worlds they created together.
Education
In January 1831, Charlotte enrolled at Roe Head School, where she met Ellen Nussey, a friend she would keep for life. She completed her education in 1832 and returned as a teacher in 1835, resigning in 1838 to return to Haworth.
A copy of the infamous Brontë portrait believed to date from 1834 (Brontë Chronology)
Time in Brussels
In February 1842, Charlotte and Emily left Haworth for the Pensionnat Heger in Brussels, where they studied French, German, and music. Charlotte returned to Brussels in January 1843 to teach English but was back in Haworth by January 1844. An attempt to start a school was ultimately unsuccessful.
Literary Success
In May 1846, she and her sisters published a book of poems under the pseudonyms Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, with Charlotte contributing 19 poems. Though her novel The Professor went unpublished, she began Jane Eyre, a story that would change her life. Published in October 1847, Jane Eyre was an immediate success. She went on to publish Shirley in 1849 and Villette in 1853.
Charlotte Brontë’s honeymoon dress on display at Brontë Parsonage Museum
Marriage and Death
On June 29, 1854, Charlotte Brontë married Arthur Bell Nicholls. Sadly, she passed away on March 31, 1855, and was laid to rest in the family vault at Haworth Church on April 4.
A copy of Charlotte's marriage certificate at Haworth Church
Legacy
In March 1857, Elizabeth Gaskell’s The Life of Charlotte Brontë was published, revealing much about Charlotte’s life and achievements. Later that year, Shirley was republished. On June 29, 2004, Charlotte’s marriage to Arthur Bell Nicholls was re-enacted at Haworth Parish Church, celebrating the legacy of one of England’s most beloved authors.
Sources:
haworth-village.org.uk (now defunct)