Biography – Branwell Bronte

Branwell Bronte was born on June 26th 1817 at Thornton, Bradford in Yorkshire, fourth child of the six Bronte children. His mother died in 1821.

Branwell Bronte received no formal education, partly due to financial restrictions as his father was struggling to keep the family together after his wife’s death. Branwell does not appear to have suffered as he was a very capable scholar with an enthusiastic desire to learn. He indulged in the Gondal stories and enjoyed writing with Charlotte.

In February 1836 at the age of 19 Branwell was proposed a freemason, and later became secretary of the Lodge. Meetings were held at the Black Bull until 1833 where they were held at Lodge St.

From June 1838 to May 1839 Branwell was working as a portrait painter in Bradford. In January 1840 he took up position as tutor for the Postlethwaite family at Broughton-In-Furness, in June 1840 he is dismissed. In April 1841 he was employed as Clerk in Charge of Luddenden Foot station near Hebden Bridge. While there he was known to frequent the Lord Nelson Tavern. In March 1842 he is dismissed from his post as there was found to be a deficit in the station accounts, attributed to Branwell Bronte’s incompetence rather than theft. January 1843 Anne has managed to secure post of tutor for Branwell with the Robinson family at Thorp Green. In July 1845 he is dismissed from his post as tutor, It was discovered that he had an affair with Mrs Robinson.

For the next three years Branwell’s state physically and mentally take a rapid decline due to his dependence on drink and opium and an increased state of self pity and worthlessness. He hears of the death of Mr Robinson and attempts to try to rekindle his relationship with Mrs Robinson which fails.

On the 24th September 1848 Branwell died of chronic bronchitis / consumption, aged 31. On 28th September he was laid to rest in the family vault at Haworth church. The service was conducted by William Morgan.