On 26th June we marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a visit to Chawton House in Hampshire and the Austen family cottage nearby, Jane’s home for the last eight years of her life and the birthplace of six of her novels. It was a beautiful day and we were rewarded with a deep dive into the Austen family history and Jane’s background and surroundings.
At Chawton House we learned of the lucky inheritance of Jane’s older brother, Edward Austen Knight, who was able to gift the former bailiff’s cottage in Chawton to Jane and her mother and sister Cassandra. Jane made the short walk to the big house often and dined with her brother and his family. The library houses a unique collection of early women’s literature including some rare examples of Jane’s writing and published works and the walled garden and parkland make for a scenic walk.
where there is a statue dedicated to the author.
After lunch in the delightful Cassandra’s Cup Cafe, we visited Jane Austen’s House and stepped back in time to 1816 as we followed in Jane’s footsteps. We explored the rooms where she lived and wrote and were treated to an unparalleled collection of Austen treasures, including Jane’s jewellery, letters, first editions of her novels and the table at which she wrote her much loved novels. A most enjoyable and rewarding day, especially for these Jane Austen fans!
For more information: https://janeaustens.house/visit/visitor-info/