“Time will explain.” – Persuasion, 1818. It has shown us how witty and timeless Jane Austen’s works are. Jane was an English novelist who started as a self-published author early in the 19th century. After the success of her novel, Sense & Sensibility, she didn’t need to self-publish again. Jane’s achievements are a novel in their own right. Over two centuries later, her novels are read and studied globally. Due to the success of the Netflix series, Bridgeton, based on novels by Julia Quinn, new readers will find their way to Jane too. Although she lived during the Georgian era, her works explore the life and times of the middle and upper classes during the Regency period. 2025 marks 250 years since Jane Austen’s birth; there are activities throughout the country. I’m so excited about 250 years of Jane Austen, I’ve curated a list of the events planned.
Brief History Of Jane Austen
Jane Austen was born on 16th December 1775. She was the 7th of 8 children born to Rev Austen and Mrs Austen, in Steventon, Hampshire. When her father retired, Jane moved to Bath with her parents and sister Cassandra.
It was said that Jane enjoyed attending the balls of the season and dancing but had no serious suitors. Neither Jane nor her sister Cassandra ever married.
In 1805, after her father’s death, Jane settled with her mother and sister Cassandra in Chawton. Her older brother, who had inherited the estate from a rich family relative, gave them the Chawton cottage rent-free. It was in this cottage that most of Jane’s works were written.
Jane Austen died in Winchester died there on 18 July 1817. She was only 42 years old. Four of her books were published during her lifetime. Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were published posthumously, in 1817.
Jane is now honoured on the British ten pound note, which ironically is the amount she sold her first manuscript, Susan, for. The publisher never published her book. In the end, the book back and published it after her death under the title Northanger Abbey.
Jane Austen-Inspired Events
Like Shakespeare, Jane Austen’s works have attracted many travellers to England. I remember reading my first Austen novel as a teen; it was Pride & Prejudice. I fell in love with the landscape and the idea of romantic love. I had to see England for myself and naturally, I had to vist Bath, where some of Pride & Prejudice was set. Then, last year I visited Winchester and its Cathedral where she’s buried.
Firstly, Jane Austen events kick off with Pride & Prejudice Day on 28th January and there will be online events via Jane Austen’s House. The price starts at £5. Secondly, I have a list below of more upcoming events this year, thank me later:
| Date | Event | Details |
| 21st Feb | Waking Up The House Tour | Early mornng tour of Jane’s home £24 |
| 13th Mar – 18th May | Plied and Prejudice The Vaults, London | Tickets are available from £19 |
| 2nd April | A Fortune Most Fatall | Launch of 2nd book Miss Austen Investigates second in her Regency-inspired series by Jessica Bull (from £10) |
| May & June | Reading’s Abbey Quarter | Jane’s former school room opens up |
| 4th June – 30th Aug | Winchester College Open House | See the rooms where Jane spent her final days £12.50 |
| 10th June | Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) | A play at the Mayflower Theatre |
| 12th – 25th Sept | Jane Austen Festival | Costume balls, theatrical performances and more! |
Year-Round Events
Can you even come to England and not experience afternoon tea? Well, if you happen to be in Bath, England you can do one better and have tea at the Regency Tea Room be sure to go to the website for further details before your visit. Additionally, you can book tours through the year with Jane Austen Tours
Lastly and my no means least, Jane’s London connection has give us the Jane Austen Experience in London!! Her brother Henry lived in London. So, over the festive season if you are looking for pressies for your literary friend pop in. It’s 2-minutes walk from Oxford Circus: 11 John Prince’s Street, London, W1G 0JR Find out more HERE.
Stay in the loop with what’s happening in Hampshire , Somerset and the environs for Jane Austen-inspired events.
Finally, why not join me in listening to the podcast, set in Jane’s Chawton home.
Have you read any Jane Austen books? Are you a fan? What book is your favourite and why? Comment below, I would like to hear from you.
There are more days out inspiraton on the blog so check them. Out and follow me on Instagram @MsXpat and @xpatathome
