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. £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.

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.