Rev. Patrick Brontë's Biographical Letter to Mrs.Gaskell

The Reverend Patrick Brontë pens an informative letter to, Mrs. Gaskell, the first biographer of his world-famous writer daughter the peerless prose-stylist Charlotte.

Since, at Mr. Nicholls' request and mine, you have kindly consented to give a brief account of my Daughter Charlotte's life, I will state a few facts, which, as her biographer, you might wish to know. For the gratification of those who might be desirous of knowing anything of me - I will, in as few words as I can, gratify their curiosity. My father's name, was Hugh Brontë - He was a native of the South of Ireland, and was left an orphan at an early age - It was said that he was of an Ancient Family. Whether this was, or was not so, I never gave myself the trouble to inquire, since his lot in life, as well as mine, depended, under providence, not on family decent, but our own exertions. He came to the North of Ireland, and made an early, but suitable marriage. His pecuniary means were small - but renting a few acres of land, He and my mother, by dint of application, and industry, managed to bring up a family of ten Children, in a respectable manner. I shew'd an early fondness for books, and continued at school for several years - At the age of sixteen, knowing that my Father could afford me no pecuniary aid I began to think of doing something for myself - I therefore opened a public school - and in this line, I continued five or six years ; I was then a Tutor in a gentleman's Family - From which situation I removed to Cambridge, and enter'd St. John's College - After nearly four years' residence, I took the Degree of Bachelor of Arts - and was soon after ordain'd to a Curacy in the South of England - Having Officiated, in two Curacies in the South, I came to Yorkshire - I was [soon] presented to the small Living of Hartshead, in the parish of Dewsbury - by my good Vicar. Here I remain'd for five years - The next five years, I had the Living of Thornton, in the parish of Bradford, in the County of York - From this I came to Haworth, in the said parish, where I have continued as Incumbent, during thirty-five years. Whilst at Hartshead, I became acquainted with Miss Branwell, a native of Cornwall - In due time we were married. In Hartshead, two children were born to us Maria, and Elizabeth - In Thornton,
Charlotte, Patrick Branwell - Emily Jane, and Anne, were born - thus, in all, we had one son, and five daughters. In Haworth, my Family afflictions began - After a happy union of nine years, and only one year's residence, my Dear Wife died - and left me with the care of six small Children. Soon after my wife's sister came, and afforded me her assistance, for twenty years.

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