Jane Austen 200; A life in Hampshire
July 18, 2017
Jane Austen, one of England’s most famous authors, spent most of her life in the historic and beautiful county of Hampshire, in the South Downs National Park.
Its houses, countryside and people provided the inspiration for many of her novels and this year marks the 200th anniversary of Austen’s death.
From 1809 until 1817 Jane lived in the beautiful village of Chawton near Alton, where her brother James owned nearby Chawton House. Her home is now known as Jane Austen’s House Museum and is open to the public. It is in this house that Jane produced Pride and Prejudice, arguably her greatest work as well as revising manuscripts for Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey.
In 1817 Jane became ill and, to be closer to her doctor, moved with her sister to a house in College Street, Winchester. Sadly, after a couple of weeks, at the age of 41, she passed away on the 18 July 1817. A few days later she was laid to rest in Winchester Cathedral.
You can visit Jane Austen’s House Museum and stroll through the rooms where she lived with her mother and sister, spending her time writing. Mansfield Park, Emma and Jane’s final novel Persuasion were all also written here.
Hampshire Cultural Trust is working with Jane Austen’s House Museum and many other partners across the county to celebrate Jane’s creativity and talent. The year is packed with exhibitions, talks, walks, writing competitions and performances, so sign up now to be kept informed about future events as part of this special celebration:
Jane Austen 200, A life in Hampshire – janeausten200.co.uk.
Visit jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk for opening times and details of upcoming events. For details of Hampshire Cultural Trust’s events visit janeausten200.co.uk