Tuberculosis and the Brontë Family

Abstract

It is almost certain that four of the Bronte children died of tuberculosis. This article considers the effects that tuberculosis had on the Brontë family. There is no evidence of a Brontë or Branwell genetic origin and it is likely that the disease was introduced to the family at Cowan Bridge School. Tuberculosis flourishes when the carrier suffers physical and mental stress. This is the case in the deaths of Emily, Anne, and also Charlotte.