During our recent mini break in North Yorkshire we visited East Riddlesden Hall, near Keighley. Strangely we have never been here before, although we regularly drive past on our way to Salts Mill. I'm not sure why, as the Hall is a perfect example of Gothic architecture, as well as having a beautiful garden.
I was very excited to discover that East Riddlesden Hall has many connections with Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. At the moment they have an exhibition entitled Lights, Camera, Brontë which we really enjoyed.
I'm not a great fan of Wuthering Heights, but I am a pushover for any type of literary connection! The exhibition uncovers the Hall’s starring role in over a century of film and television adaptations of Emily Brontë’s iconic novel. We were able to wander through the historic rooms where directors once brought tempestuous romances and Yorkshire moorland drama to life, explore original screenplays and objects linked to the Brontës, and discover how the Hall’s dark stone walls, rose windows and 17th‑century architecture inspired filmmakers from 1920 to the present day. Lights, Camera, Brontë blends literary heritage, cinematic history and local stories.
Many believe the hall’s 17th-century oak dresser, in the Great Hall, could be the “pewter-bearing dresser”, from Wuthering Heights.
