Bronte Birthplace: Open day at the Bradford home where the literary sisters Charlotte, Emily and Anne were born
Last month saw volunteers in a community benefit society (CBS) take the keys to a terraced property in Thornton, Bradford where the world-famous literary sisters were born.
Now owned by the public for the first time in history, after a community share offer attracted 700 investors alongside grant s and funding, significant work is soon to begin.
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Hide AdBut before renovations start an open day is to be held at the Market Street property tomorrow (Sunday) from 11am until 4pm, and supporters are welcome to visit. After that, the house will close for major structural works before re-opening next year as a cafe and with rooms to stay or space for events.
It is hoped it can open next year as a "beacon of ambition", sharing the Brontë sisters' literary history as well as that of their brother Patrick Branwell. He, along with Charlotte, Emily and Anne who are known for their works including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, were all born in front of the fireplace here. Their father Patrick Brontë and his wife Maria first moved to Thornton in 1815 as he took up a position as curate of now Brontë Bell Chapel.
Sarah Dixon, Chair of Brontë Birthplace Limited, said the purchase of this small house is a "monumental" achievement, sharing their legacy.