After more than eight decades, a long-standing error has been corrected at Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner, honoring one of literature’s most celebrated families. The surname “Bronte” has now been accurately updated to “Brontë,” complete with its umlaut, ensuring the correct pronunciation of this iconic literary name.
A memorial corrected at last
On Thursday, a revised memorial plaque was unveiled for Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë, officially correcting the spelling error that had persisted since 1939. The addition of the umlaut (¨) over the “e” now reflects the proper pronunciation of their name as “Bron-tay,” rather than the anglicized “Bronte.”
The original plaque, installed 85 years ago, lacked the necessary diacritic. This oversight went unaddressed for decades until Sharon Wright, editor of the Brontë Society Gazette, brought it to the attention of Westminster Abbey officials during a research visit for her upcoming book. Her discovery initiated the effort to finally give the Brontë sisters the accurate recognition they deserve.
How the mistake came to light
Sharon Wright’s keen observation sparked the change. Upon visiting Poets’ Corner, she noticed the missing umlaut and immediately felt compelled to act. “The first thought that crossed my mind was, ‘They’ve spelled the name wrong!’ I couldn’t believe I might be the first person to notice it,” Wright said. “These women are among the greatest writers in British history. Their names deserve to be spelled correctly on a monument dedicated to their legacy.”
Though it is unclear why the error occurred, some speculate that the timing of the installation may have played a role. The plaque was installed on October 8, 1939, shortly after the outbreak of World War II. Given the tumultuous circumstances, it’s believed that this detail was simply overlooked during those chaotic times.
Wartime installation without ceremony
The Brontë memorial plaque was installed with little fanfare due to the wartime conditions. In a letter dated November 2, 1939, Paul de Labilliere, the then-Dean of Westminster, expressed regret about the lack of an unveiling ceremony, saying, “I would have very much liked for the completion to be marked by an unveiling event, but in these times, that is simply not possible.” The rushed circumstances may explain why the umlaut was missed.
The recent correction finally addresses this oversight, restoring the Brontë sisters’ name to its rightful form. Their contributions to literature—Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, among others—have cemented their place in literary history, making the accurate representation of their surname all the more significant.
A tribute from the Brontë Society
The original memorial was sponsored by the Brontë Society, one of the oldest literary societies in the world, founded in 1893. The society has been instrumental in preserving the Brontës’ legacy and advocating for their recognition in both academic and public spheres. This correction serves as a fitting tribute to the society’s ongoing efforts to honor the sisters’ extraordinary work.
Fact check: ensuring accuracy in reporting
- Original plaque installed in 1939: Correct. The plaque was installed at Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey on October 8, 1939, shortly after the outbreak of World War II.
- Umlaut missing for 85 years: Correct. The original memorial plaque did not include the umlaut, which was only added after Sharon Wright brought attention to the error.
- Brontë Society founded in 1893: Correct. The Brontë Society, established in 1893, is one of the oldest literary societies and played a key role in sponsoring the original memorial.
About the Brontë sisters and Sharon Wright
- Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë: The Brontë sisters were prolific 19th-century English novelists whose works remain literary classics. Charlotte is best known for Jane Eyre, Emily for Wuthering Heights, and Anne for The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Together, they broke new ground for women writers in the Victorian era.
- Sharon Wright: A respected editor and author, Wright is the editor of the Brontë Society Gazette. She has written extensively on the Brontë family and played a key role in bringing attention to the spelling error on the memorial plaque.
Conclusion: correcting a literary legacy
The correction of the Brontë name at Westminster Abbey might seem like a small change, but it symbolizes the importance of honoring literary figures accurately. The Brontë sisters’ works have had a lasting influence on both readers and writers for more than a century, and their rightful recognition in such a prestigious location is long overdue. Thanks to the efforts of individuals like Sharon Wright, the legacy of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë is now properly preserved in Poets’ Corner, where their names can be celebrated without error for future generations.
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