The Brontë Sisters

Kate Page

I'm Kate, a Brontë enthusiast, storyteller, and Yorkshire local with a passion for bringing the Brontë family to life. In this podcast, I explore the lives, books, history, and legacy of Charlotte, Emily, Anne, Branwell, Patrick, and Aunt Branwell. From famous locations such as Haworth to lesser-known places and stories, I share the fascinating details that make the Brontës feel real and relatable more than 170 years later. If you love the Brontës, Yorkshire history, literary discussion, and discovering the stories behind the stories, you're in the right place.

  1. Oct 23

    Did 1973 get the Brontës right? - The Brontës of Haworth

    In this episode, I’m going back to The Brontës of Haworth, the 1973 Yorkshire Television drama that brought the lives of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, their family, and the world of Haworth Parsonage to television screens. Filmed partly in Haworth, this fascinating piece of television history features a wonderful cast, including Michael Kitchen as Branwell Brontë and Alfred Burke as Patrick Brontë. But more than fifty years later, how well does it stand up? We’ll look at the story, the actors, the filming locations, and the historical details the drama got right, as well as the moments when it took a few liberties with the Brontë family’s history. And, of course, we can’t ignore those wonderfully 1970s wigs! Along the way, I’ll share my thoughts on watching this old drama today, why it still has a special place in my affections, and whether it really does justice to the lives of one of Yorkshire’s most famous literary families. Was The Brontës of Haworth a faithful portrayal of the sisters and their family, or did the demands of television take precedence over historical accuracy? Make yourself a cup of tea, get comfortable, and come back with me to Haworth… in 1973. Links YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk Watch the full video version: https://youtu.be/HKX18pwVuB0 Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.ukFacebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersukInstagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk If you’d like to watch the original drama for yourself, you can find the four episodes here: Episode 1: https://youtu.be/eKRXk3FWYYA?si=yR2p5qMJwHbadMSa Episode 2: https://youtu.be/MY2gxjBuxHY?si=d2Q5_rOm8c2sqF1_ Episode 3: https://youtu.be/VFGZNH6-xFs?si=vMEkvHO8KYfVXSQK Episode 4: https://youtu.be/2s8h_gjU43s?si=n-rTqBSgYeTfiCZm If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes. Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you next time for more Brontë adventure. LinksWatch The Brontës of Haworth (1973)

    Did 1973 get the Brontës right? - The Brontës of Haworth

  2. Oct 9

    The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: The Brontë novel that shocked Victorian Britain

    Why did Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall cause such a stir when it was published?   In this episode, we take a closer look at Anne Brontë’s second novel, a remarkably bold story about marriage, motherhood, alcoholism, infidelity, independence, and a woman making the extraordinary decision to leave her husband.   But how much of the story came from Anne’s own experiences?   We explore Anne’s time at Thorp Green, Branwell Brontë and his struggles with alcohol, the real-life stories that may have influenced Anne, and the woman who came to Haworth seeking Patrick Brontë’s advice about her own troubled marriage.   We also look at the reaction to The Tenant of Wildfell Hall when it was published, Anne’s fascinating defence of her novel, and why Charlotte Brontë had very different feelings about her sister’s work.   Why was Anne so determined to tell this story, and why did her novel prove so uncomfortable for some Victorian readers?   So make yourself a brew and settle in for a closer look at one of Anne Brontë’s most fascinating, controversial and often overlooked novels.   If you enjoy Brontë history, Anne Brontë, Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë, Victorian literature and the stories behind the books, I hope you’ll enjoy this episode.   Links YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk Watch the full video version:  https://youtu.be/BanC_KUo0Qg Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.uk   Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersuk   Instagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk     Videos mentioned The Brontës and the Gothic Tradition – A Victober Special https://youtu.be/1_TCZ1U1Sss   The Victorian Secret Hidden in Charlotte Brontë’s Villette | Victober Special https://youtu.be/tvV0xuEN3oA   The Untold Story of Anne Brontë’s Robinson Family https://youtu.be/3iwejH6g5qw   What Killed Branwell Brontë? Love, Addiction, and the Silence of His Family https://youtu.be/Cqx-sjQjMsc   Did Branwell Brontë Have a Child? https://youtu.be/DyjwfyddvIk   Further information Jervaulx Abbey: https://www.jervaulxabbey.com   Support Yorkshire Domestic Abuse Services If this episode raises issues that are relevant to you or someone you know, donations can be made to IDAS, a Yorkshire charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse:   https://idas.org.uk/get-involved/donate/   If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes.   Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

    The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: The Brontë novel that shocked Victorian Britain

  3. Sep 25

    Why Do I Own So Many Copies of Wuthering Heights?

    How many copies of Wuthering Heights does one person actually need? Apparently, quite a few! In this episode, I’m sharing some of my favourite editions of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, from my very battered travelling copy and my scribbled-in research copy to beautiful old editions I’ve rescued from charity shops. Because, let's be honest, book lovers always have an excuse for buying another copy. A different cover, a different edition, beautiful illustrations, something useful for research… or perhaps the book simply looked lonely and needed rehoming! But then something rather special arrived from the British Library. I’m also talking about their beautiful facsimile edition of Wuthering Heights, including the two-volume first edition and the facsimile of Emily Brontë’s personal copy of Poems. There’s even an unboxing along the way. This episode was originally recorded as a YouTube video, so there are a few visual elements that don't quite translate into podcast form. I do my best to describe the books, editions and things I'm looking at as we go, so you can still enjoy coming along with me. So make yourself a brew and join me for a little look at my Wuthering Heights obsession — and something very special from the British Library. The Brontë Circle I also talk about my free monthly newsletter, The Brontë Circle, where I share behind-the-scenes adventures, Brontë news, upcoming events, book recommendations, video and podcast updates, and exclusive contributions from Brontë enthusiasts around the world. I'd love for you to be part of it. Sign up here: https://brontesistersuk.kit.com/c3986f8148 Would you like to see your own work featured in a future edition? Whether it's a Brontë-inspired poem, short story, artwork, photography, book recommendation, or event information, I'd love to hear from you. Send your contribution to thebrontecircle@gmail.com for the chance to be included in a future edition of The Brontë Circle. Links YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersukWatch the full video version: https://youtu.be/6XTmU8KK0GQWebsite: www.thebrontesisters.co.ukFacebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersukInstagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk British Library – Wuthering Heights First Edition Facsimile:https://shop.bl.uk/products/wuthering-heights-first-edition-facsimile If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes. Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

    Why Do I Own So Many Copies of Wuthering Heights?

  4. Sep 11

    What Happened to the Other Brontë Sisters: A Tragic Tale

    When we talk about the Brontë sisters, we usually think of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. But what about Maria and Elizabeth Brontë, the two sisters who died long before their younger siblings became some of the most famous writers in English literature? In this episode, we uncover the heartbreaking story of the two eldest Brontë children and explore the short lives of Maria and Elizabeth, whose stories are often forgotten despite the profound impact they had on the family they left behind. From their time at the infamous Cowan Bridge school, later immortalised in Jane Eyre, to their illnesses and untimely deaths, we look at what happened to Maria and Elizabeth and what traces of their lives remain today. Their story gives us a glimpse into the realities of childhood, illness and loss in the early nineteenth century, while also helping us understand the experiences that would shape Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë and, ultimately, the literary legacy they left behind. This episode was originally recorded as a YouTube video back in February 2025 and went on to become the most popular video on my channel. So, I thought it was about time I brought it over into podcast form for those of you who would rather listen than watch. If you're fascinated by the Brontës, their family history, and the hidden stories behind the literary world they created, I hope you'll enjoy this journey into the lives of the two Brontë sisters who came before them. LinksYouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersukWatch the full video version: https://youtu.be/9OkAu7zADeQWebsite: www.thebrontesisters.co.ukFacebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersukInstagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes. Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

    What Happened to the Other Brontë Sisters: A Tragic Tale

  5. Aug 28

    What It’s Really Like to Give a Brontë Talk | Behind the Scenes with Me

    In this episode, I’m taking you along with me on a slightly different kind of Brontë adventure as I head to Richmond in North Yorkshire to give a talk about Branwell Brontë. What is it really like to step away from talking to a camera and stand in front of a room full of people? From the nerves beforehand to preparing my flashcards and PowerPoint, and facing the dreaded question-and-answer session at the end, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into giving one of my Brontë talks. Afterwards, I sit down for a chat about how the day went, how I felt about the talk, what I’ve learned from speaking to audiences about the Brontës, and whether there might be more Brontë talks in the future. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when I take my Brontë adventures out into the real world, this episode gives you a little glimpse into a very different side of what I do. LinksYouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersukWatch the full video version: https://youtu.be/GKPdYNyRB2UWebsite: www.thebrontesisters.co.ukFacebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersukInstagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes. Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

    What It’s Really Like to Give a Brontë Talk | Behind the Scenes with Me

  6. Aug 14

    Could This Painting Really Be Charlotte Brontë?

    In this episode, we investigate one of the most intriguing paintings associated with Charlotte Brontë. Attributed to the Victorian artist Abraham Solomon, this little-known work raises far more questions than it answers. Did Charlotte really sit for the artist? Did she ever know the painting existed? And what documentary evidence survives to support its fascinating story?   Following the trail through Charlotte Brontë's surviving letters, Victorian records and the painting's documented history, we explore what can be proven, what has been suggested over the years and where the evidence simply falls silent. Along the way, we revisit George Richmond's famous portrait of Charlotte and examine why careful research is so important when investigating Brontë history.   Rather than accepting long-held assumptions, we follow the evidence wherever it leads, uncovering a mystery that is every bit as fascinating today as it was more than 170 years ago. Sometimes history gives us clear answers, and sometimes it leaves us with even better questions.   Join me with a brew as we disappear down another Brontë rabbit hole and investigate one of the most mysterious paintings connected with the Brontë family.   Links   YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk Watch the full video version: https://youtu.be/Tt7Kx1ULWZ0 Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersuk Instagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes. Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

    Could This Painting Really Be Charlotte Brontë?

  7. Jul 31

    Come and Browse My Brontë Bookshelves with Me

    In this episode, I'm inviting you to join me for something a little different as we take a relaxed browse through part of my Brontë book collection. After moving house, I unpacked a box of books and found myself rediscovering old favourites, revisiting trusted reference books, and coming across a few titles that had been patiently waiting on my to-be-read pile. Before I knew it, I was sitting on the floor for far longer than I'd intended, completely absorbed in the stories behind the books themselves. Together, we'll look through some of the biographies and reference books I return to time and again when researching my videos, a historical novel that genuinely surprised me, and a few books I'm looking forward to reading now that life has become a little calmer. Whether you're an avid collector, a lifelong Brontë enthusiast, or simply looking for your next great read, I hope this episode gives you a few recommendations and perhaps even inspires you to add another title to your own bookshelves. I'd also love to hear your own favourite Brontë books after listening. You never know, your recommendation might end up on my ever-growing reading list! Links YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk Watch the full video version: https://youtu.be/l6ZguMIKfuc Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersuk Instagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk Bookshop mentioned: Wave of Nostalgia, Haworth https://waveofnostalgia.co.uk If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes. Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

    Come and Browse My Brontë Bookshelves with Me

  8. Jul 17

    Who Helped Raise the Brontë Sisters? The Forgotten Story of Nancy Garrs

    In this episode, we uncover the forgotten story of Nancy Garrs, the young nursemaid who helped care for the Brontë children long before they became some of England's most celebrated writers. While names like Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë are known around the world, Nancy's remarkable contribution to their early lives has been largely overlooked. We follow Nancy's story from Thornton to Haworth, visiting her final resting place and exploring the enduring connection she maintained with the Brontë family throughout her life. Her journey takes us from the Brontë Parsonage to the Bradford Workhouse, revealing a life marked by loyalty, hardship, and quiet devotion. Along the way, we ask whether Nancy's memories offer us a different perspective on Patrick Brontë, what became of the treasured Brontë belongings she carefully preserved, and why the woman who helped raise one of England's most famous literary families almost disappeared from history herself. Join me with a brew as we rediscover the life of Nancy Garrs and the lasting legacy she left behind. Links YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk Watch the full video version: https://youtu.be/21CxGy1RD7I Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersuk Instagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk Video mentioned: Aunt Branwell: The Forgotten Woman Behind the Brontës https://youtu.be/C2M8p3hunDA If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes. Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

    Who Helped Raise the Brontë Sisters? The Forgotten Story of Nancy Garrs
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

I'm Kate, a Brontë enthusiast, storyteller, and Yorkshire local with a passion for bringing the Brontë family to life. In this podcast, I explore the lives, books, history, and legacy of Charlotte, Emily, Anne, Branwell, Patrick, and Aunt Branwell. From famous locations such as Haworth to lesser-known places and stories, I share the fascinating details that make the Brontës feel real and relatable more than 170 years later. If you love the Brontës, Yorkshire history, literary discussion, and discovering the stories behind the stories, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Page
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kate Page
  • Show Website
    The Brontë Sisters

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