Dramatic new displays marked the opening of the new season at the Bront Parsonage Museum, in Haworth, last weekend.

One of the highlights is an unusual spring-bladed 18th century pistol, which is featured in Emily Bront's novel Wuthering Heights.

The gun actually belonged to her father Patrick, but was not known about by Bront scholars until recently, despite being described clearly in one of the scenes of threatened violence in the novel as "a great tempter to a desperate man".

Another attraction at the museum is the display of nine costumes from Sir Cliff Richard's musical version of Wuthering Heights, which will be on display until March 27.

The display, chosen for the museum by Sir Cliff himself, features outfits worn by him, including the fine yellow silk coat worn on Heathcliff's return to Wuthering Heights, and a stunning black and gold silk brocade coat which was worn for Heathcliff's marriage to Isabella Linton.

Also on display are several of the dresses worn by Helen Hobson as Catherine Earnshaw and Sara Haggerty as Isabella Linton. All of the costumes capture the essence of the late 18th century styles and reflect the setting of the book.

The original production of Heathcliff, which has lyrics by Sir Tim Rice and music by John Farrar, toured in 1996-97 and proved popular with fans of its star and fans of the book alike.

Sir Cliff Richard, who described the opportunity to play Emily Bront's Heathcliff as "fulfilling the ambition of a lifetime", had been drawn to the book since he first read it at school.

Another treat for visitors will be the letter purchased last year by the Bront Society in which Charlotte describes buying her wedding dress and veil.

The letter, which has never been displayed before, shows Charlotte's down to earth approach to marriage.

She writes "... the white veil -- I took care should be a matter of 5in -- being simply of tulle with little tucks. If I must make a fool of myself -- it shall be on an economical plan."

The letter is being displayed with fabric from the society's own collections which may have belonged to one of the dresses mentioned.

The museum is open seven days a week. For further information about opening times and entry charges call 01535 642323.