A letter written by Charlotte Bronte berating the critics of her second novel, Shirley in 1849, has been sold at Christie's, the London-based auctioneers, for £21,600.

And a letter written by her father, the Reverend Patrick Bronte, right, showing concern about a parishioner's health, went under the hammer for £3,100.

Both letters have been bought by the Howarth-based Bronte Society.

The letters were among 600 letters and manuscripts by famous historical figures which formed part of a collection belonging to Czech-born Albin Scham.

Ann Dinsdale, the Bronte Parsonage Museum librarian at Haworth, said: "Charlotte wrote the letter shortly after she had lost her brother and sister and she was feeling vulnerable and wanted support and encouragement."

Her father's letter was interesting because it contradicted the myth Patrick, above, was aloof and revealed he was a compassionate man, she said.