The Bronte Society

Also known as: The Incorporated Bronte Society

One of the oldest literary societies in the English speaking world, with an international membership, the Bronte Society owns and runs the iconic Grade I Parsonage Museum celebrating the lives of the Brontes. Our accredited world class collections are displayed throughout the museum and library. We run education and learning activities, artistic events, residencies and exhibitions.

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Activities & Mission

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Region

England And Wales

Financial Information

Latest Income

£1,773,122

Latest Expenditure

£1,355,324

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 62.3%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 16% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 780). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 81.6%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 19% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 22.2%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 13% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £60,134

Charitable Activities £1,377,464

Other Trading £316,889

Investments £18,635

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £1,105,396

Raising Funds £249,928

Governance £50,781

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£1,773,122	£1,355,324	£1,105,396	£8,301,603	£556,964	40 / 23
2024	£1,646,356	£1,243,372	£999,232	£7,886,736	£747,397	33 / 23
2023	£5,929,430	£1,365,378	£1,128,155	£7,475,945	£338,742	33 / 30
2021	£990,173	£876,806	£732,885	£2,924,611	£298,437	18 / 27
2020	£1,070,942	£1,043,446	£886,204	£2,796,196	£200,849	39 / 18

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Bronte Society

What does The Bronte Society do?

How much income did The Bronte Society report in 2025?

The Bronte Society reported total income of £1.77m and reported expenditure of £1.36m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is The Bronte Society?

The Bronte Society has a program ratio of 62.3%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 16% of UK Arts charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 780 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was The Bronte Society registered as a charity?

The Bronte Society was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 21 August 1964 as charity number 529952. It has been registered for 62 years.

Who runs The Bronte Society?

The Bronte Society is governed by a board of 9 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Bronte Society operate?

The Bronte Society operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is The Bronte Society a registered charity?

Yes — The Bronte Society is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 529952.