The birthplace of the Bront sisters is being transformed into an historical shrine.

Two Bront enthusiasts have bought the house at Thornton and are restoring the property to its authentic Regency splendour.

Although literary sisters Charlotte, Emily and Anne - together with their brother Branwell - are best known for their Haworth connections, all four were born in Thornton and spent their formative years there.

Parents the Rev Patrick Bront and Maria stayed in the Market Street house from 1815 to 1820.

The property has been bought by writer Bernard Mayston and his novelist friend, Barbara Whitehead. Her 15 published books include one about Charlotte Bront's lifelong friendship with Ellen Nussey.

The original stone staircase which led to the servants' quarters and would have been used by the children's nursemaids, Nancy and Sarah Garrs, has been uncovered.

Now the restoration project is centred on the kitchen where it is planned to install a working fireplace.

The house already attracts visitors from around the world who can enjoy a tour of the home, including the dining room, believed to be where the four Bront children were actually born.

Mr Mayston says: "The objective of opening the Bront birthplace to the public was to share the house with people and help with restoration of the building through the contributions they make. We feel it will regenerate the whole village.

"The house is the Bethlehem of the Bront world so it should be revered. There will always be a fascination with the Bronts - people yearn to find out more about these mysterious figures."

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