The Invention of Charlotte Bronte - Talk and book signing

Sir James and Lady Janet Kay-Shuttleworth of Gawthorpe Hall knew both Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Gaskell, in fact they introduced the two writers to each other. Their friendship with both women features in this new biography of Charlotte Bronte.

Based almost entirely on rarely seen private letters, "The Invention of Charlotte Brontë: Her Last Years and the Scandal that Made Her" by Graham Watson sheds new light on the dramatic events of Brontë’s turbulent last years of grief, fulfilment, and tragedy—and exposes the astonishing media scandal that followed her early death, when her friends and family battled to control how history would remember her. It presents a different, darker take on one of the most famous women writers of the nineteenth century, showing Charlotte to be a strong but flawed individual.

Join us as Graham discusses Charlotte's life, writing, and death as well as his own research and writing of this book. Copies of "The Invention of Charlotte Bronte" will be on sale and Graham will be happy to sign them.

Author Graham Watson is a specialist in the Brontës and Elizabeth Gaskell, and he is currently researching Victorian literary identities at the University of Glasgow.

£8 per person, includes entry to the Hall. This event is part of 'Charlotte Bronte day' at Gawthorpe Hall celebrating her novels and life with mini book making, storytelling and crafts for children and families. Find out more and book your place online on our website https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/webpage/event-details?eventid=2193073

You may also like the following events from Lancashire Museums:

• This Monday, 7th July, 11:00 am, The Lost Sword Hunt at Clitheroe Castle Museum in Clitheroe
• Next Monday, 14th July, 06:00 pm, Festival of Archaeology: Neolithic Pottery Workshop and Talk in Clitheroe
• Next Saturday, 19th July, 11:00 am, Festival of Archaeology 2025 – Archaeology + Wellbeing Hub Day in Clitheroe

Also check out other Arts events in Burnley, Literary Art events in Burnley, Performances in Burnley.