Here stands the Charlotte & Emily Brontë Plaque a silent witness to a transformative period in the lives of two literary giants. This plaque commemorates Charlotte and Emily Brontë’s time in Brussels. It marks the location of the Pensionnat Heger. The sisters studied here in 1842 and 1843.
The Brontë sisters are icons of English literature. Their passionate love stories are still read today. Though known for Yorkshire landscapes, they spent a vital period in Belgium. Brussels barely acknowledges its link to Charlotte and Emily Brontë. The Charlotte & Emily Brontë Plaque is near Bozar’s entrance. Many concertgoers and tourists miss it.
In February 1842 Emily and Charlotte Brontë came to Brussels. They enrolled in the Pensionnat Heger. Their goal was to improve their language skills. After six months they became teachers. Charlotte taught English and Emily taught music. Their stay ended when their aunt died in October 1842.
Charlotte returned to Brussels alone in January 1843. She taught English. She was lonely and missed her family. She fell in love with Constantin Heger. She returned to Haworth in January 1844. She later used her experiences in her novels “The Professor” and “Villette.”
The Brontë Society based in Haworth provided the plaque. It was placed on September 28 1979. The unveiling was on June 26 1980. Members of the Brontë Society attended the ceremony. Dignitaries based in Brussels joined them. These included the Director of Beaux-Arts. Two great-grandsons of Constantin Heger were present. The British Ambassador and British Council officials also attended. An exhibition on the Brontës was held at the British Council.
Charlotte Brontë’s years at the Pensionnat were formative. Her experiences influenced “Villette” and “The Professor”. The Brussels background is less researched than the Yorkshire background. Expatriates find Charlotte’s account of being a foreigner in the city fascinating. Brontë enthusiasts have been interested in the Brussels connection for a long time. Pilgrims visited the Pensionnat in the 19th century. The school was demolished in 1909. The Palais des Beaux-Arts was built on the site. The Brontë Society placed the plaque on Bozar in 1979.
The Brussels Brontë Group was formed in 2006. It brings together people interested in the Brontës. They focus on Charlotte and Emily’s time in Brussels. Members include people of many nationalities. They welcome anyone interested in the Brontës’ works and lives. They want to learn more about their stay at the Pensionnat Heger. The group organizes talks guided walks and other events. They celebrate Charlotte Brontë’s birthday each April.
Until recently the Brontë Plaque was dirty from air pollution. It has been cleaned and polished. The Brontë Society commissioned the work. The Brussels Brontë Group helped. The Society plans regular maintenance.
The unveiling faced stormy weather. Le Soir reported “temps de Hurlevent.” Brontë means “thunder” in Greek making the weather fitting.
The Charlotte & Emily Brontë Plaque serves as a reminder. It marks the spot where these literary sisters honed their skills. It was here that they found inspiration. Their experiences in Brussels shaped their writing. The Brontë sisters walked here. Let’s take a moment to appreciate their legacy.