The Brontës and the Condition of England, August, Warwick University
29th - 31st August 2014
Warwick University, Scarman Centre
The aim of this conference is to give meaning and depth to the anxious national concerns of early 19th century England, ones which would have impacted the young Brontës both in their lives and works. We hope to create an overall picture of what the world looked like to the passionate young inhabitants of Haworth's Parsonage.
We are greatly privileged to have some of the leading scholars in this field to address us. The key-note speaker will be Juliet Barker, the author of the closest thing to a definitive biography of the family, The Brontës. Other speakers include Rebecca Fraser, biographer of Charlotte Brontë, Dr Robert Logan, Chairman of the Irish Brontë Society, whose understanding of the young Patrick and the influences on him growing up is exceptional and Marianne Thormählen, author of The Brontës in Context. Our President, Bonnie Greer OBE, will be present and will give the after-dinner speech at the conference dinner on Saturday.
The conference location this year is at the purpose built Scarman Centre, Warwick University, just eight miles from the ancient county town of Warwick, which lies on the River Avon, and boasts the country’s oldest school (Warwick School, established 914), as well as a castle dating back to 1068 and The Norman Conquest. To the South, and a little less than seventeen miles from the University is Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Scarman Centre provides deluxe 4 star hotel-style accommodation. It is a comfortable and relaxing place to stay with all facilities on-site including 204 en-suite bedrooms. There are double or twin beds in every room with television and free internet access via network point. There are two restaurants and these will serve our buffet breakfasts, carvery lunches, and silver service evening meals. On arrival refreshments will be provided as they will throughout the weekend.
Free, secure parking is available adjacent to the centre avoiding long walks to the accommodation. There is a small fitness centre on site but delegates are also welcome to use the free sports and swimming facilities at the near-by University Sports Centre. The campus, just a 5 minute walk from Scarman, also offers two major bank branches, a hairdressers, post office and range of café bars and restaurants.
You may well wish to extend your stay at Scarman either side of the Conference to take advantage of the nearby attractions. The Centre has offered a special rate of £65 plus VAT per night for a single room and £90 per night plus VAT for a double room. Please book any additional days directly with the Scarman Centre.
(Please note: the Royal Shakespeare Theatre does not have performances on a Sunday).
For further information and to book your place, please download the conference booking form from the downloads section of this page. Please return your form to the Membership and Development Officer, Charlotte Derry via email charlotte.derry@bronte.org.uk or by post at the address on the booking form.