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It has long been a dream of mine to visit the Yorkshire Moors where Emily, Charlotte and Anne were inspired to write their epic novels and tragically died too early. Charlotte at aged 38 of Morning sickness and the others of her 4 sisters of Tuberculosis. Branwell, their brother died of alcoholism and depression after being rejected in the courtship of his employer, a widow called Mrs Robinson. Sadly their dad outlived all his seven children and his wife Marie who died of uterine cancer at 38 when Anne was just one years old.
As I sit tonight drinking my Californian Chardonnay I am reflecting on Emily's words from Wuthering Heights;
"I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after and changed my ideas. They've gone through and through me like wine through water and altered the colour of my mind."
That is how I feel about this trip. That I am fulfilling long held dreams and the effect is that the colour of my mind is being altered, expanded, challenged and renewed.
Thank you all those who are reading of my travels, for your encouragement and warm words of delight in sharing my adventures. It is fun to know you are right here with me sharing the journey.
We stayed in an Apothecary building in Haworth which was built in 1640. I think there were still Moas walking around in New Zealand when that home was built. Blows the mind really. The village of Haworth (pronounced Howith) is on the West Yorkshire Moors at 660 feet above sea level. It was a sunny morning but also sleeting when we got on the steam train. The Harpers tell me this is common in England to experience four seasons in one day.
There were other surprises in Haworth; the Bronte Parsonage was the highlight of course, relics and artifacts, paintings and journals and clothes they wore, a table where they wrote their novels, even the very sofa that Emily died on.The school where Charlotte taught was next door to the Parsonage. The narrow steep street we walked down to the central park and Steam railway was bordered by shops and accommodation options for the many travellers who venture to Bronte country. In the selection of photos you will see the Apothecary where we stayed, The white Lion pub where we dined, [I had Stilton and broccoli soup and braised lamb for a main]. They were memorable dishes for the quality of the produce and fine cooking. Sophie was our waitress (she pronounced her name "Surfee"]. Her accent and warm personality earned her a NZ pin which she was delighted with. Next morning after a big cooked breakfast and spending a number of hours exploring the Bronte families home, life and history, we experienced a steam train ride on the very railway where the movie, 'the Railway Children' was filmed. We were able to get a pint of beer on the train and the barman asked if I wanted to "pull a pint" so you will see that photo on the blog. That won him the noble reward of a pin from NZ, as did the friendliness of the conductor, who you can see waving to us from the guard-van.
After tea and cream doughnuts we were off exploring the Moors by car. The bitter wind deterred us from braving the walking tracks but the breathtaking views of the expanse that the Yorkshire moors declare to their admirers evoked "oohs" and "ahhs" from both Heather and I as we rounded corner after corner. John was watching the road.[Thankfully]
We have just got home and had pasta for dinner. We drove back on the M1 and I had a wee nap. It's been quite a busy few days so tomorrow will be a rest day; Church at the local Anglican church for me and then writing postcards, and laundry. I will send another blog in a few days from Askerswell.
- comments
Lynn F. Monahan Well, Jan. Sounds like a lovely and exciting trip. Reminds me a bit of my wandering days in Ireland over 30 years ago. You're inspiring me. I just caught up with your blog and have definitely enjoyed your accounts. Glad to hear you are being well cared as you meander through your ancestral homeland. Fascinating about the Brontes. Wish you were flying home via New York. Next time.
Eliana Glad you're having an awesome time Mum. Keep up with the blog entries. It's very interesting to read about your adventures.