Precious Wellbeing

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

This text is a widely shared excerpt from a 1950s Home Economics textbook titled "The Good Wife's Guide," which reflects the entrenched gender roles of that era.

22/04/2026

This is an actual extract from a s*x education textbook for girls, printed in the early 1960's in the UK. As far as we have come, we have so far to go!!

“When retiring to the bedroom, prepare yourself for bed as promptly as possible. Whilst feminine hygiene is of the utmost importance, your tired husband does not want to queue for the bathroom, as he would have to do for his train. But remember to look your best when going to bed. Try to achieve a look that is welcoming without being obvious. If you need to apply face cream or hair-rollers, wait until he is asleep, as this can be shocking to a man last thing at night.

When it comes to the possibility of intimate relations with your husband, it is important to remember your marriage vows and, in particular, your commitment to obey him. If he feels that he needs to sleep immediately, then so be it. In all things, be led by your husband's wishes; do not pressure him in any way to stimulate intimacy. Should your husband suggest Congress, then agree humbly, all the while being mindful that a man's satisfaction is more important than a woman's. When he reaches his moment of fulfillment, a small moan from you is encouraging to him and quite sufficient to indicate any enjoyment that you may have had.

Should your husband suggest any of the more unusual practices, be obedient and uncomplaining but register any reluctance by remaining silent. It is likely that your husband will then fall promptly asleep, so adjust your clothing, freshen up, and apply your night-time face and hair care products. You may then set the alarm so that you can arise shortly before him in the morning. This will enable you to have his morning cup of tea ready when he awakes.”

Oh How Far we have come?

21/04/2026

Today, April 21st, marks the anniversary of Charlotte Brontȅ's birth back in 1816. That's as good a reason as any to do what I've intended for some time and rank the seven books of all three Brontȅ sisters. I'm sure there will be as many combinations as readers, but here is mine.

The top four are those I'd recommend as must-reads for everyone. When you've read them, you've read the very best.

The bottom three, in my opinion, can be passed over unless you're a Brontȅ completist who aims to read them all to tick them off. I wouldn't recommend anybody select one from that trio to start with, anyway.

THE TOP FOUR

1) Wuthering Heights

Although I've considered changing my mind over the years, because I was never a great fan of either Heathcliff or Catherine, this is still my top pick. The book holds a special place in my heart because of my circumstances when I first read it. I was 15 years old with ambitions to be a fiction author myself, and learned a lot about story craft through my own passion-driven analysis of this book. I still enjoy how various narrators make this Gothic family saga so multi-layered. Most of all, I love seeing the second generation of characters begin to mirror the mistakes of the first, until a sudden, touching twist of grace changes the trajectory. Emily Brontȅ convinces us that ancestral curses aren't set in stone. The gentle, loving final glimpses we get of my three favourite characters, Nelly, Hareton and Cathy, still make me smile whenever I think about them. (My review is here.)

2) Villette

For me, this was Charlotte's Magnum Opus. I get a sense that she poured her own self into the creation of restrained and reflective Lucy Snowe, the young English teacher in Brussels who falls for two different men. Author vulnerability is probably never rawer than this, but Charlotte lets her guard down with such lavish and stirring prose, drawing from all sorts of cultural and literary sources to make a somewhat drab and homely tale into a masterpiece. Making me fond of the overbearing, bossy Monsieur Paul gets my thumbs up too, because I normally shy away from control freaks like him. The ending is certainly controversial, but I'll give no spoilers. (My reviews start here.)

3) Jane Eyre

I have many friends who would place this masterpiece at the very top, and I understand why. Jane is such a refreshingly grounded and sensible main character. Her integrity and developing rapport with her intimidating employer, Mr Rochester, is delightful to read. So is his awesome epiphany. The fact that a harried, world-weary cynic like himself decides a modest young governess holds the key to all he's been looking for is pure satisfaction. In her quiet, modest way, Jane turns Rochester's life upside down. We're even willing to overlook the concealing of his deep, dark secret, which proves how successfully Charlotte wrote him, for it's pretty darned shocking. (My review is here.)

4) The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

It's cool to think how Anne, the youngest sister of all, made it her personal mission to write a revelatory story with an unforeseen, unprecedented theme: Girls, don't ever romanticize bad boys! Even her sister, Charlotte, thought Anne was making a colossal mistake to focus on an alcoholic jerk like Arthur Huntingdon as a main character. I imagine Charlotte, who had such a way with words, would have been very persuasive, but Anne gently stuck to her guns. Thank heavens she did, or we would never have had this excellent early example of feminist literature. If this novel helped just one hapless victim of domestic abuse face facts and take action like Helen, it would have been a success, but there have surely been thousands, and even more to come. (My review is here.)

THE BOTTOM TRIO

5) Shirley

This has all of Charlotte's evocative detail and brings to life her own backdrop of Yorkshire during the Industrial Revolution. But her character Caroline Helstone's way of handling her supposedly unrequited love for mill owner Robert Moore disappoints me. You wouldn't find Jane or Helen taking on such a weepy, mopey attitude, to the point of death. No bloke is worth dying with lovesickness over, let alone a calculating dude like Robert with dollar signs for eyeballs. My favourite character, Shirley herself, isn't even introduced until a couple hundred pages into the story, and even longer for her cool romantic interest, Louis Moore. So this story gets thumbs down for both irritation and longwindedness too. (My review is here.)

6) Agnes Grey

This is Anne's attempt at what Charlotte does in Villette, to fictionalize her own personal experiences. Sadly, she hasn't pulled it off half as well. Agnes comes off as a sanctimonius martyr of a governess, always ready to blame setbacks on her employers. This waters down Anne Brontȅ's valid observations, that these girls lived tough and thankless lives. It does have the admirable Mr Edward Weston going for it, but he's not enough to boost my ranking from second bottom. (My review is here.)

7) The Professor

It's Charlotte's very first novel, which some critics say should never have seen the light of day. Hear hear. It's the only Brontȅ novel I've got rid of, because the main character's attitude kept making me want to reach for a bucket. William Crimsworth is a know-it-all, 21-year-old school teacher who looks down on others with such smug condescension, it completely undermines the underdog position Charlotte is going for with him. He is this story's hero, yet I'd hate to have had him as a teacher, or have him teach my kids! Still, it gives me great pleasure to award the wooden spoon to such a deserving book. (My review is here.)

There's my ranking of the seven Brontȅ novels. I'd be interested to see yours, if you'd be willing to tell us in the comments below. From 1 to 7 (or however many you've read) go ahead and rank them from best to least favourite.

21/04/2026

Their road was through a pleasant country; and F***y, whose rides had never been extensive, was soon beyond her knowledge, and was very happy in observing all that was new, and admiring all that was pretty. She was not often invited to join in the conversation of the others, nor did she desire it. Her own thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions; and, in observing the appearance of the country, the bearings of the roads, the difference of soil, the state of the harvest, the cottages, the cattle, the children, she found entertainment that could only have been heightened by having Edmund to speak to of what she felt. That was the only point of resemblance between her and the lady who sat by her: in everything but a value for Edmund, Miss Crawford was very unlike her. She had none of F***y's delicacy of taste, of mind, of feeling; she saw Nature, inanimate Nature, with little observation; her attention was all for men and women, her talents for the light and lively. In looking back after Edmund, however, when there was any stretch of road behind them, or when he gained on them in ascending a considerable hill, they were united, and a "there he is" broke at the same moment from them both, more than once.

For the first seven miles Miss Bertram had very little real comfort: her prospect always ended in Mr. Crawford and her sister sitting side by side, full of conversation and merriment; and to see only his expressive profile as he turned with a smile to Julia, or to catch the laugh of the other, was a perpetual source of irritation, which her own sense of propriety could but just smooth over. When Julia looked back, it was with a countenance of delight, and whenever she spoke to them, it was in the highest spirits: "her view of the country was charming, she wished they could all see it," etc.; but her only offer of exchange was addressed to Miss Crawford, as they gained the summit of a long hill, and was not more inviting than this: "Here is a fine burst of country. I wish you had my seat, but I dare say you will not take it, let me press you ever so much;" and Miss Crawford could hardly answer before they were moving again at a good pace.

21/04/2026

On Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April 2026, we mark 210 years since the birth of Charlotte Brontë, one of the most influential writers in English literature, born here in Thornton.

It was here, in this very house, that her story began, long before Jane Eyre, long before her name became known across the world.

To celebrate this moment, we’re doing something a little unexpected. Across this special weekend, we’re inviting at least 210 people named Charlotte to step inside the place where Charlotte Brontë’s life first began, and to be part of a shared, living tribute to her legacy.

It’s a simple idea, but one rooted in something powerful.

A name that has travelled across generations.
A connection that links past and present.
A chance to stand, however briefly, in the place where it all started.

Whether you’re a Charlotte yourself, or simply someone who loves literature, history, and place, this is an invitation to be part of something memorable.

What to expect...
Across the weekend from 11am – 4pm, parts of the Birthplace will be open for a relaxed and welcoming celebration.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, this is a chance to experience the house in a new way, shaped by people, stories, and a shared connection to the other Charlottes near and far.

Free entry for all Charlottes (and families, but a small donation would be appreciated)
A warm and community-spirited atmosphere
Sign our guest book
Share photos throughout your visit
Visitors-calling all charlottes
Charlotte's Room (2) Large
THE HOOK... This is for the Charlottes!
Are you a Charlotte? This is your invitation.

We’re aiming to welcome at least 210 Charlottes across the weekend and we’d love for you to be one of them.

Every Charlotte who visits will be entered into a prize draw to win:

A one-night stay in the Charlotte Room
Alongside that, you’ll become part of a unique collective moment, a gathering that celebrates and connects to one of the most famous names in literary history: Charlotte.

Not called Charlotte? You’re still very welcome to be a part of this celebration of literature, place, and community for everyone. Help us find 210 Charlottes by spreading the word, telling a friend, or bringing someone along. Be part of Charlotte Brontë’s 210th Birthday celebration right here at the Brontë Birthplace.

21/04/2026

Charlotte Brontë:

Patrick Brontë was born outside Rathfriland, County Down

The Brontë Homeland in Banbridge, where Patrick was raised, has become something of a tourist attraction.

The Brontë sisters (Charlotte, Emily, and Anne) have deep roots in Northern Ireland through their father, Patrick Brontë, who was born Patrick Brunty (or Prunty) in 1777 in Emdale, County Down. The "Brontë Homeland" in Northern Ireland features key sites like Drumballyroney Church, school, and the family cottage, providing a strong link to the family's Irish heritage

'Humble origins'
"It brings home how humble his origins were. To go from this little two-bedroom cottage to become the father of not just one but three of the most famous authors in the entire history of English literature is quite impressive.

"There are anecdotes of the Brontë sisters speaking with Irish brogue accents because they spent so much time with their father growing up."

When their mother, Maria, died Charlotte was only five. Her father raised the family with help from an aunt.

Charlotte was the only sister to visit Ireland, spending her honeymoon in County Offaly. She had married her father's curate, Arthur Bell Nicholls, from Killead in County Antrim.

"Most people imagine them to have posh, English accents, but there are claims that wasn't the case, especially at a young age," Mr Diamond added.

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21/04/2026

Crying doesn’t indicate you are weak.
Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive

Charlotte Bronte