Jane Austen Country
The signs say that as you enter Hampshire, by the bye: Welcome to Jane Austen Country.
The Boston Herald does a tour of “Jane Austen Country,” including Hampshire, Bath, and several of the settings for the new P&P film.
Chawton in Hampshire, an hour southwest of London, is where Austen actually spent most of her life, though it is not featured in the movie. The Jane Austen’s Home & Museum (www.jane-austens-home-musuem.org.uk) is a modest two-story brick home located in a village of thatched-roof cottages. Here Austen penned “Pride & Prejudice,” as well as “Mansfield Park,” “Emma” and “Persuasion.” Her writing table and letters are on display.
Highly recommended!
November 15th, 2005 at 5:43 pm
Hi Mags,
Apologies for my complete lack of manners in not saying hello before as a novice here, though I have indeed read P&P n-th times since first picked it up as a child (and saw Olivier’s film about 10). Have pored over (and re-read) most of her published work but still love P&P (and Mr. Darcy) the most.
Just want to add that Jane Austen’s memorial in Winchester Cathedral is only a short drive from Chawton. I finally went to pay hommage last year while visiting a friend who recently moved there. Have to say I was surprised that her memorial was not given a more prominent place. She deserves as much recognition as some bard form Warwickshire!
November 16th, 2005 at 10:55 am
I think Jane would prefer to keep it on the D-L, if you follow me.
I didn’t make it to Winchester on my trip (or Lyme Regis!) so obviously I have to go back!