LONDON – The Brontë sisters have finally received their rightful recognition with the restoration of their diaereses. More than 80 years after their memorial was installed in London’s Westminster Abbey, the two dots over the “e” in their surname have been added back.
The omission of the dots, which change the pronunciation from “bront” to “brontay”, dates back to the memorial’s unveiling in October 1939. Now, thanks to Brontë historian Sharon Wright, the dots have been reinstated to honor Charlotte, Emily, and Anne.
Dean of Westminster David Hoyle oversaw the restoration process, ensuring the Brontë sisters’ names are spelled correctly. Wright, editor of the Brontë Society Gazette, advocated for this correction, emphasizing the importance of honoring the Yorkshire writers.
The legacy of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë lives on through their timeless novels like “Jane Eyre,” “Wuthering Heights,” and “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.” Despite their short lives, their literary contributions continue to be celebrated worldwide.
Rebecca Yorke, director of the Brontë Society, expressed gratitude for the restoration, acknowledging the global impact of the Brontës and their works.
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