Old School Room in risk.

A key part of the Brontes’ family legacy in Haworth remains seriously at risk, according to the group working to try and save it.

The warning comes from John Collinson, of Bronte Spirit, which has taken on the demanding job of raising cash to renovate the rundown Grade II-listed Old School Room in Church Street.

The property was built by Patrick Bronte in 1832 and was extended in 1850 and 1871. The building housed a school where Mr Bronte’s children – Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Branwell – worked as teachers.

Bronte Spirit received £15,000 from English Heritage last year to fund replacement windows. But Mr Collinson said the building’s roof was in an extremely poor condition, adding the full restoration project could cost about £500,000.

Read more: Keighley news

Branwell’s Luddenden Foot notebook

Bronte Parsonage Museum

From the Treasure Trove: A typical page from Branwell’s Luddenden Foot notebook with a draft of a poem, notes about railway shares and caricatures, including one (at the bottom) of himself. Despite the fact this notebook was intended for the records of the trains and their cargoes passing through the station, it is almost entirely devoted to drafts of poems interspersed with sketches, doodles and caricatures.

11 Lessons That 'Jane Eyre' Can Teach Every 21st Century Woman About How To Live Well

Jane Eyre was published yesterday 166  years ago,

Zoë Triska

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Zoe@huffingtonpost.com

While I'm a very big fan of most Victorian literature, "Jane Eyre" made an impression on me that other novels formerly hadn't. "Jane Eyre" is not just a gothic romance novel. It's a bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story. It is the first of its kind in some ways, as it's written by a woman about the interior life of a woman. Female thoughts and feelings were exposed. Brontë has been referred to as "the first historian of the private consciousness."

I love that Jane Eyre is an unconventional heroine. She is not beautiful, but instead is rather plain looking. She is an underdog who the reader roots for through the entire novel. I love that Jane Eyre overcomes her troubled, impoverished past. I love that Jane Eyre does the right thing for herself. She is the epitome of a strong woman. She teaches the importance of self-reliance. She supports herself at a time when it was extremely hard for a woman to do such a thing on her own.

The novel was very shocking for its time. One reviewer said that the book "might be written by a woman but not by a lady." People were scandalized that Eyre returned to Rochester. However, the first edition still sold out in six weeks.

Every time I encounter a woman who hasn't read this book, I advise reading it immediately. Women can learn so much from this great Victorian heroine.

1.  You can overcome your past, no matter how bad it is. 

2. “Your will shall decide your destiny
3. Tell the guy you want to date him already! 
4. Loving and respecting yourself is essential, and is the key to independence.
5. Be positive.
6. Don't ever let anyone tell you you can't do something just because you're a woman.
7. You are stronger than you think.
8. "Most true is it that 'beauty is in the eye of the gazer.'" 
9. The possibilities for life are endless for those who take risks. 
10. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
11. If you choose to get married, do so only for love. 
Read all: huffingtonpost/jane-eyre-lessons

Blackwood’s Young Men’s Magazine, written and bound by Charlotte Bronte

From the Treasure Trove: Little book. This little book is the September issue of Blackwood’s Young Men’s Magazine, written and bound by Charlotte in 1829, when she was 13 years old. The book is hand-sewn with rough brown paper covers. This particular book was acquired by George Smith, Charlotte’s publisher, and was given to the Museum by his granddaughter.
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Bronte-shop/jewellery

Bronte Parsonage Museum

Have you seen these Heathcliff/Cathy earrings? NEW to our online shop! There's a pair of Jane/Rochester ones too, and a few other bits besides! Ideal Christmas present or a treat for yourself?

bronte-shop/jewellery

'Bronte Menfolk - New Discoveries' by Bob Duckett, (a former chief reference librarian at Bradford Library)

Just thought a few folks might be interested in a talk 'Bronte Menfolk - New Discoveries' by Bob Duckett, (a former chief reference librarian at Bradford Library) It is at a meeting of the Baildon Local History Society held in Baildon Library MONDAY OCTOBER 21st. 2013 at 7.30. All welcome, admission £2 for details about the group, contact the secretary; Stewart Main 01274 598865 facebook/Liz Narey