Jane Austen’s House and Museum

Jane Austen is one of the most popular and important novelists that England has ever produced. The house at Chawton is where she spent the last eight years of her life. It is of international importance as the place where she did the majority of her mature writing, but at the same time retains the charm of a village home. A 17th century house, it tells the story of Jane Austen and her family.

Revised at this house: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility & Northanger Abbey
Written entirely at this house: Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion

From a literary perspective the House provides an insight into the life of a writer of her time - a life that is to this day slightly enigmatic.

Jane in Chawton

Chawton is of course famous for the fact that this is where Jane Austen did almost all of her mature writing.

Writing would have occupied a good deal of her time, but family life too had its pulls. The Austens were generally a close and loving family and there were frequent visits from brothers and young nieces and nephews.

To these young children, Jane and Cassandra were much loved aunts. Jane, in particular, would get involved with their games, making up stories and playing songs for them on the piano. She was herself an accomplished pianist and is said to have practised for two hours every morning before breakfast.

A daily routine would include, as well family meals, long walks and chatting and sewing in the evening. The rooms of the House and Museum, along with its garden, and with its prominent position at the heart of Chawton Village, all help to provide a tangible connection to the environment where the Austen family lived.

The Jane Austen Collection

The collection is relatively small but comprises objects of international significance including manuscript letters from Jane Austen and many of her music books with pieces transcribed in her own hand.

Other important objects include: her writing table, some of her jewellery and the patchwork quilt made Jane, her mother and Cassandra.

A large part of the collection includes other Austen family items and furniture.