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Jane Austen's House, Chawton, Hampshire

 

After a somewhat precarious life as an unmarried woman and struggling author, in 1809 Jane Austen finally found security in the Hampshire village of Chawton. Her rich brother bought her a house in this village, and she lived here with her sister. The house at Chawton is now a museum to Jane Austen. Her writing table is on display, along with other items related to Jane and her family. The bookcase contains first editions of her novels.

The house has a very feminine air. Mannequins display the fashions that Jane and her friends would have worn. The item I found most striking was the writing table. It was tiny, the table top only the size of a small drinks tray. This was no power desk. It was here that Jane Austen produced writing that punctured pomposity, and found unexpected importance in apparently small lives.

Groups are requested to book in advance.

 

 

Opening Times: January 4th to February 12th opening is restricted to Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am until 4.30pm.

February 15th to May 31st and from September 1st to January 1st, open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm (closed December 25th and 26th).

June 1st to August 31st open daily 10am to 5pm.

Address: Jane Austen's House Museum, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SD

Directions: Chawton is just off the A31 in Hampshire. Leave the M25 at junction 10, follow the A31 until you reach Alton. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred over Jane Austen's House.

Access: The ground floor and the gardens are accessible to wheelchair users.

Contact:

telephone: 01420 83262

web site: www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk