Bronte Waterfall, Bridge and the Ruins at Top Withens

I have been sorting through some of my old pictures recently and came upon a set I took in March 2014 whilst walking the moors to the south of Haworth in Search of the Bronte Waterfall and the farmhouse ruins at Top Withens. I have added a number of them together to create a short video of images which can now be viewed here and on YouTube.

The Bronte Waterfall Is a small waterfall located to the south of Haworth. The falls are part of Bronte Country and area of outstanding natural Beauty with links to the famous Bronte family. The bridge that crossers South Dean Beck was washed away by flash flooding in 1989 and rebuilt the following year. There is a plaque there to commemorate this. Following the Bronte Trail in a westerly direction from the falls will lead you to the ruins of Top Withens Farmhouse.

Top Withens is the remains of a moorland farmhouse. Once you arrive you find it hard to imagine that how people made a living in what is a lonely area of moor with only a couple of nearby farms for company, these were abandoned in the 1870's and demolished during the years afterwards. Top Withens farm was also abandoned in the 1870's but a Mr Ernest Roddie brought the farm back into use in 1920 before it was finally abandoned and left to become a ruin in 1926. The house is said to have been the inspiration for the Earnshaw house in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights 

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The pictures below are of the ruins at Top Withens. The full set can be seen in my earlier post on Top Withens.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green. The full set of 12 pictures at Top Withens can be seen on Clickasnap or my earlier post.

Bronte Waterfalls, Nr Haworth.

The Bronte Waterfall, nestled on the windswept Haworth Moor in West Yorkshire, is more than just a cascade of water. It's a place steeped in literary history, forever linked to the famed Bronte sisters and their captivating tales of love, loss, and the wild beauty of the Yorkshire moors.

This picturesque waterfall, where the Sladen Beck tumbles over rocks and under an old stone bridge, is said to have been a source of inspiration and solace for the Bronte sisters, particularly Emily. It's easy to imagine them wandering these moors, their minds brimming with stories, their hearts touched by the raw beauty of their surroundings. The waterfall's presence is palpable in their works, particularly in Emily's masterpiece, "Wuthering Heights," where the rugged landscape mirrors the passionate and tumultuous lives of the characters.

Not far from the waterfall lies Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse believed to have inspired Earnshaw House in "Wuthering Heights." This desolate yet beautiful spot, with its panoramic views of the moors, further fuels the connection between the Brontes' lives, their writings, and the landscape that shaped them.

The stone bridge that crosses the Sladen Beck at the waterfall has its own story to tell. The original bridge was swept away in a flash flood in 1989, a stark reminder of the power of nature. However, the bridge was lovingly rebuilt, ensuring that visitors can continue to experience the same views and atmosphere that the Bronte sisters once enjoyed.

Today, the Bronte Waterfall is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. They come to walk in the footsteps of the Brontes, to soak in the atmosphere that inspired their timeless works, and to appreciate the natural beauty that captivated these literary giants. The waterfall, the moors, and the nearby Top Withens offer a glimpse into the world that shaped the Bronte sisters and their enduring legacy.

The pictures were taken on the 9th March 2015 using a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Top Withins: The Inspiration for Wuthering Heights

The abandoned farmstead of Top Withins is said to have been the inspiration for Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights. There is a plaque at the ruins that reads,

"This farmhouse has been associated with "Wuthering Heights", the Earnshaw home in Emily Brontë's novel. The buildings, even when complete, bore no resemblance to the house she described, but the situation may have been in her mind when she wrote the moorland setting of the Heights."

• Bronte Society, 1964. This plaque has been placed here in response to many inquiries.

The farm was thought to have been built in the 2nd half of the 16th century and was lived in by the Sunderland family when the novel was published in 1847. The last known inhabitant was Ernest Reddy in 1926.

Top Withins: A Haunting Reminder of the Past

Top Withins is a ruined farmhouse located on the windswept moors of Yorkshire, England. It is said to have been the inspiration for Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, the classic novel of love, loss, and revenge.

The farmhouse is a haunting reminder of the past, its stone walls crumbling and its windows boarded up. But even in its dilapidated state, it still holds a certain magic.

Visiting Top Withins

Top Withins is a popular destination for fans of Wuthering Heights, as well as for those who simply enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Moors.

The farmhouse is located about 3 miles from Haworth, the village where the Brontë sisters lived. It is a short walk from the Brontë Waterfall, another popular tourist destination.

If you are planning to visit Top Withins, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable on the moors.

The History of Top Withins

Top Withins was built in the 16th century. It was originally a working farm, but it was abandoned in the early 20th century.

The farmhouse is now owned by the National Trust. It is open to the public, but it is not possible to go inside.

The Legend of Top Withins

There are many legends associated with Top Withins. One legend says that the farmhouse is haunted by the ghost of Emily Brontë. Another legend says that the farmhouse is built on the site of an ancient pagan temple.

Whether you believe in the legends or not, there is no denying that Top Withins is a truly magical place.

Conclusion

Top Withins is a must-visit destination for any fan of Wuthering Heights. It is also a great place to enjoy the beauty of the Yorkshire Moors.

If you are planning a trip to Yorkshire, be sure to add Top Withins to your list.

The pictures were taken using a Polaroid iS2132 camera in March 2014, clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Thanks for looking, and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.