When we talk about the Brontë sisters, we usually think of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. But what about Maria and Elizabeth Brontë, the two sisters who died long before their younger siblings became some of the most famous writers in English literature?

In this episode, we uncover the heartbreaking story of the two eldest Brontë children and explore the short lives of Maria and Elizabeth, whose stories are often forgotten despite the profound impact they had on the family they left behind.

From their time at the infamous Cowan Bridge school, later immortalised in Jane Eyre, to their illnesses and untimely deaths, we look at what happened to Maria and Elizabeth and what traces of their lives remain today.

Their story gives us a glimpse into the realities of childhood, illness and loss in the early nineteenth century, while also helping us understand the experiences that would shape Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë and, ultimately, the literary legacy they left behind.

This episode was originally recorded as a YouTube video back in February 2025 and went on to become the most popular video on my channel. So, I thought it was about time I brought it over into podcast form for those of you who would rather listen than watch.

If you're fascinated by the Brontës, their family history, and the hidden stories behind the literary world they created, I hope you'll enjoy this journey into the lives of the two Brontë sisters who came before them.

Links
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk
Watch the full video version: https://youtu.be/9OkAu7zADeQ
Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersuk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk

If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes.

Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

In this episode, I’m taking you along with me on a slightly different kind of Brontë adventure as I head to Richmond in North Yorkshire to give a talk about Branwell Brontë.

What is it really like to step away from talking to a camera and stand in front of a room full of people? From the nerves beforehand to preparing my flashcards and PowerPoint, and facing the dreaded question-and-answer session at the end, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into giving one of my Brontë talks.

Afterwards, I sit down for a chat about how the day went, how I felt about the talk, what I’ve learned from speaking to audiences about the Brontës, and whether there might be more Brontë talks in the future.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when I take my Brontë adventures out into the real world, this episode gives you a little glimpse into a very different side of what I do.

Links
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk
Watch the full video version: https://youtu.be/GKPdYNyRB2U
Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersuk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk

If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes.

Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.

In this episode, we investigate one of the most intriguing paintings associated with Charlotte Brontë. Attributed to the Victorian artist Abraham Solomon, this little-known work raises far more questions than it answers. Did Charlotte really sit for the artist? Did she ever know the painting existed? And what documentary evidence survives to support its fascinating story?

Following the trail through Charlotte Brontë's surviving letters, Victorian records and the painting's documented history, we explore what can be proven, what has been suggested over the years and where the evidence simply falls silent. Along the way, we revisit George Richmond's famous portrait of Charlotte and examine why careful research is so important when investigating Brontë history.

Rather than accepting long-held assumptions, we follow the evidence wherever it leads, uncovering a mystery that is every bit as fascinating today as it was more than 170 years ago. Sometimes history gives us clear answers, and sometimes it leaves us with even better questions.

Join me with a brew as we disappear down another Brontë rabbit hole and investigate one of the most mysterious paintings connected with the Brontë family.

Links

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@brontesistersuk

Watch the full video version: https://youtu.be/Tt7Kx1ULWZ0

Website: www.thebrontesisters.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brontesistersuk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/brontesistersuk

If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really helps more people discover Brontë history and supports the work that goes into researching and creating these episodes.

Thank you for listening, and I'll see you next time for more Brontë adventure.