On the 12th of July 2026, a group of members from the Gaskell Society joined us at the Birthplace for a guided tour. With 48 members visiting, the modestly-sized terrace house was stretched to its limits accommodating these passionate visitors.
To ensure comfort during the tours, the group was split into four groups of twelve, running two tours at a time.
Joanne Wilcock and Mark Musolf provided their expert knowledge to lead the visitors around the house, telling the story of the Brontë’s time in Thornton and answering many considerate questions asked by the Gaskell Society members.
The day also included a visit up to the bell chapel ruins, where Revd Patrick Brontë worked during his five years as perpetual curate in the village. Following this, they visited St James Church, which is located across the road from the original Bell Chapel, where the font that the Brontë’s were christened in lies.
Reflecting on the visit, Christine Willgoose from the Gaskell society said:
“Everyone is so pleased to have visited Brontë Birthplace and extremely appreciative of the tour guides’ knowledgeable, clear and entertaining talks. The word most used about the afternoon was wonderful.”
It is inspiring to see that even 170 years after Charlotte’s passing, the friendship between Elizabeth Gaskell and Charlotte Brontë is still bringing people together. The passion and admiration for these two literary icons made it a truly special day.
If you are part of a literary society, heritage group or cultural organisation and are interested in visiting the birthplace of Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne Brontë, please enquire at bookings@brontebirthplace.com.
Our Brontë tours offer an immersive experience in one of Yorkshire’s most significant literary landmarks and can be tailored to specific interests such as architecture, literary history or Patrick and Maria Brontë.
