In a symbolic gesture, the Brontë sisters have regained their rightful place with the addition of the diaereses in their surname on a memorial at London’s Westminster Abbey. Originally erected in October 1939 during the turmoil of World War II, the stone tablet commemorating Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë lacked the two dots over the “e” in their last name. However, more than 80 years later, the dots have been added back to the memorial, signifying the correct pronunciation of their name as “brontay” rather than “bront.”
The initiative to restore the diaereses was spearheaded by Brontë historian Sharon Wright, the editor of the Brontë Society Gazette. Upon realizing the omission, Wright brought the matter to the attention of the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle. Subsequently, the abbey’s stonemason was tasked with incorporating the dots back into the memorial, and the conservator was called upon to ensure they were visibly painted.
The alteration in the memorial pays homage to the three Yorkshire-born literary figures who tragically passed away before the age of 40 but left an indelible mark on English literature. Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë are renowned for their timeless works such as “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.” The restoration of the diaereses on their memorial is a testament to their enduring legacy and the respect they command worldwide.
The decision to rectify the misspelling of the Brontë name has been well-received by the Brontë Society, with its director, Rebecca Yorke, expressing gratitude for the correction. Yorke emphasized the global admiration and reverence for the Brontës and their literary contributions, underscoring the importance of accurately representing their name on the memorial at Westminster Abbey. The amended memorial now serves as a fitting tribute to the literary prowess and lasting impact of the Brontë sisters.