Hugh Prunty/Brunty/Brontë: Grandfather of the Brontë Sisters

Abstract

The career of Hugh, the grandfather of the Brontë sisters, has not had the attention that it is due. This paper explores some episodes in his life as described by his biographer, Dr William Wright, whose credibility has been challenged. Hugh's life story, apart from that of his boyhood, is based on fact. Wright's claim that Hugh's opinions on tenant-rights were the inspiration for the struggle by Sharman Crawford MP for the alleviation of the plight of Irish tenants is probably true.