Today, the 28th of May, will forever be a mournful one for lovers of the Bronte family. It was on this day in 1849 that Anne Bronte took her last breath. Elder sister Charlotte Bronte and friend Ellen Nussey were by her side as she took her last breath, looking out of their window at Wood’s Lodgings and gazing at the infinite sweep of the horizon, mind on the infinite sweep of what was to come.

Anne Bronte died in a time of faith, she was not afraid to die, it was those left who would suffer. Little could Anne have guessed that 176 years later we would still be reading her books, still talking about her life. Her last moments were captured in print by Ellen Nussey, and a very beautiful and moving read it makes. I discuss it below in my latest House Of Bronte video:
We will all be thinking of Anne Bronte today, particularly at 2 pm, the moment which marked her passing from this world. Let us not dwell on the challenges she faced, however, but on the triumphs she achieved. Through her great novels she will live forever, so let’s raise a glass and say “Thank you Anne Bronte!” I hope you can join me next Sunday for another new Bronte blog post.

I have been following your posts since I produced a video for the local u3a history group in Driffield East Yorkshire, a couple of years ago. I particularly like your links with the days of significant events (as Anna’s death for example)
on this Day 28th May 1849.
Long may you continue your well presented posts.
Thank you very much Colin!
I love Anne Bronte ‘s books, they are so up to date. Her stories could easily be written today. I think of all the three. Sisters she would be the one I would most like to meet May she rest in the peace she so well deserves and
A very moving video about the death of Anne Bronte, Nick – thank you for sharing this. We can only imagine how Charlotte felt, knowing she was now the only one left of six siblings. How many memories and thoughts must have coursed through her mind, or was she too numb with grief to think of anything except Anne’s passing?
Certainly Anne’s still with us today – she will never be forgotten, and her work is still loved all across the world.