Haworth, Me and Emily Brontë: How a Visit to Yorkshire Helped Me Connect to the Past

Growing up queer in northern England often meant feeling like an outsider. To help me cope, I sought escapism in writing and companionship in animals. These two constants shaped my worldview and influenced my core beliefs well into adulthood. At 26 years old, I’m as passionate about writing and animals as I was at age 6.

On a recent trip to the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, Yorkshire, I found myself reflecting on these foundations and feeling a deep sense of connection to Emily Brontë herself. Taking a break from the usual rush of life and pausing in the peacefulness of nature allowed me to appreciate the special bond I share with my dog, Freddie. In moments of uncertainty and stress, he has become my anchor. I also realised that the love for animals that inspired my childhood writing still resonates with me today. It struck me that if we take time to reflect every so often, we can reconnect with the things that bring us joy and reignite our sense of purpose.

Emily Brontë, the enigmatic author of ‘Wuthering Heights’, is often described as mysterious and reserved. With a reputation for solitude and the absence of surviving letters to act as evidence, her true personality remains elusive. Yet, the Brontë sisters continue to captivate readers of all ages, leaving us questioning which one of the three sisters we see most in ourselves.

Although I’ve visited the Brontë Parsonage Museum several times before, I always discover something new. This time, I was struck by Emily’s relationship with dogs. Upstairs in the old parsonage, behind a glass cabinet, lay watercolour paintings by Emily herself. Among them was a detailed portrait of her dog, Keeper. Beneath the painting was a description that read:

“Keeper and Emily were devoted to one another, and the inhabitants of Haworth were well used to the sight of the dog and his mistress striding out together. Following Emily’s death, Keeper walked alongside the mourners at her funeral and spent many nights moaning at the door of Emily’s bedroom.”

Reading this, I was reminded of the love I share with my dog. I felt heartbroken imagining a world where we are no longer together, and I was struck by the profound grief animals can feel long after we’ve passed on. It also deepened my appreciation for the extraordinary bonds we share with pets and how lucky we are to experience them in this life.

Before leaving Haworth, I resolved to learn more about Emily and the dogs in her life, especially Keeper. Paired with Emily’s watercolour portrait was Keeper’s enormous brass collar. The collar alone, intimidating in its size, hinted at Keeper’s physical presence and protective nature.

Emily Brontë’s relationship with Keeper was more than that of a pet and owner - it was a profound companionship that seemed to mirror her own temperament. Known for her strong-willed personality and preference for solitude, Emily likely found in Keeper a kindred spirit: loyal, steadfast and quietly watchful. Keeper’s imposing size and protective instincts matched Emily’s own fierce independence. Together, they wandered the Yorkshire moors, a solitary pair finding comfort in each other and the vast, untamed landscape. This image reminded me of how our pets, whether we intend them to or not, often become extensions of ourselves, including our personalities.

Keeper’s devotion didn’t end with Emily’s death. His presence at her funeral and his grieving by her bedroom door reveals a depth of loyalty that transcends human understanding. These stories underscore the emotional lives of animals, a subject Victorian society was only beginning to acknowledge. For Emily, whose writings often explored themes of passion, isolation and connection, Keeper’s unwavering companionship must have been a source of comfort and inspiration - something I find myself drawn to.

The Yorkshire moors, wild and expansive, served as both a backdrop and a mirror for Emily’s inner world. In this landscape, where Keeper walked faithfully by her side, Emily could channel her creativity and wrestle with the themes that defined her work. Keeper’s presence likely provided her with both grounding and freedom - a reminder of loyalty and strength, even in the face of isolation. His protective nature may have allowed her to walk the moors alone, unafraid, finding inspiration in the windswept landscapes that would later infuse ‘Wuthering Heights’.

What strikes me most about Emily’s bond with Keeper is its timelessness and also how remarkable it was for its time. In an era when women were often expected to adhere to rigid societal norms and roles - often centred around domesticity, marriage, and motherhood - Emily’s unapologetic love for her dog can be seen as a quiet act of rebellion.

At a time when pets were largely viewed as either working animals or possessions, the deep emotional connection between Emily and Keeper was not only unusual but, in many ways, radical. Her bond with him carved out a personal space where she could exist authentically, free from the expectations placed upon women of her class. Keeper wasn’t just a pet; he was her confidant, protector, and perhaps the one living creature who truly understood her. In a world that often tried to define and confine her, their relationship allowed Emily to express a vulnerability and independence that was rare - and often suppressed - for women of her time.

Reflecting on Emily’s life and her relationship with Keeper also makes me think about the enduring comfort pets offer to those who feel like outsiders. Like Emily, I’ve often found refuge in the companionship of animals. During moments of loneliness or self-doubt, my dog has been a steady presence, reminding me of the power of unconditional love. There’s a purity in the bond between humans and animals, a mutual understanding that requires no words.

Keeper’s story also invites us to consider the emotional intelligence of animals. In Victorian England, pets were often valued for their utility - dogs serving only as protectors or hunters, for example. Yet Keeper’s grief at Emily’s passing challenges these narrow views, revealing a depth of feeling that modern science now acknowledges as common in animals. Emily, ever ahead of her time, seemed to understand this intuitively. Her love for Keeper transcended the norms of her era, treating him not as property but as a true companion and friend.

Today, as I walk with my own dog through familiar landscapes, I often think of Emily and Keeper striding across the moors. Their bond serves as a reminder of the solace we can find in nature and the animals with whom we share our lives. Just as Emily found inspiration and comfort in Keeper’s presence, I’ve found strength and joy in my own dog’s quiet companionship.

As I continue to delve deeper into the lives of the Brontës, I’m struck by how their personal experiences resonate with us across time. Emily’s connection with Keeper is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals. It’s a bond that offers not only solace but also a sense of belonging, a reminder that we are never truly alone. In Keeper, Emily found a love as wild and steadfast as the moors themselves - a love that continues to inspire and connect us even centuries later.

Whether we intend to or not, we sometimes get caught up in the future and planning ahead, causing us to miss out on the now. Something I encourage you to do if you feel like you’re stuck between the past and future is to share a quiet moment with your pet to really feel the connection you share and to focus on the present. You’ll most likely find a deep sense of appreciation, love and gratitude for your animal partner, something we could all do with a little bit of during times of darkness.