The Brontë sisters, known for their contributions to English literature, have had their surname corrected on their memorial in London’s Westminster Abbey. The two dots, known as diaereses, were missing from the stone tablet that commemorates Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. These dots are important as they indicate the correct pronunciation of the name as “brontay” rather than “bront.” The memorial was erected in the abbey’s Poets’ Corner in 1939, but the issue of the missing diaereses was only brought to light recently by Brontë historian Sharon Wright. The abbey took prompt action to restore the dots, reflecting the sisters’ Yorkshire heritage and their significant contributions to literature.
The Brontë sisters, who grew up on the Yorkshire moors, all died before the age of 40, leaving behind a legacy of enduring novels. Charlotte’s “Jane Eyre,” Emily’s “Wuthering Heights,” and Anne’s “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall” are just some of the works that have cemented their places in literary history. The correction to the memorial was made to ensure that the sisters are properly honored and that their name is spelled correctly for all to see. Rebecca Yorke, director of the Brontë Society, welcomed the restoration of the diaereses, emphasizing the global love and respect for the Brontës and their literary achievements.
The discrepancy in the spelling of the Brontë surname is believed to have originated from their father Patrick, who may have changed the spelling from Brunty or Prunty when he moved to England for university. Despite the small oversight in the memorial’s original installation, the correction has now been made to accurately reflect the correct pronunciation and spelling of the Brontë name. The restoration of the dots is seen as an important gesture to acknowledge the sisters’ Yorkshire roots and the significance of their work in the literary world.
The issue of the missing diaereses on the Brontë sisters’ memorial in Westminster Abbey was brought to the attention of the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, by Brontë historian Sharon Wright. Wright, who serves as the editor of the Brontë Society Gazette, felt it was important to rectify the error to pay proper respect to the three Yorkshire women. The abbey promptly took action by instructing its stonemason to tap in the dots and its conservator to paint them, ensuring that the memorial now accurately reflects the pronunciation of the Brontë name.
The Brontë sisters and their works continue to be celebrated and respected around the world for their significant contributions to literature. The restoration of the diaereses on their memorial in Westminster Abbey is seen as a fitting tribute to their legacy and a reminder of their enduring impact on the literary landscape. The correction of the spelling of the Brontë name on the memorial serves as a recognition of the sisters’ Yorkshire heritage and their place in English literary history. By ensuring that their name is spelled correctly, the abbey has reaffirmed the importance of honoring the Brontë sisters and their timeless novels.
