Join us for a very special guided tour of Jane Austen’s House, exploring this special building and discovering its secrets – from Witches’ marks in the cellar to bricked up doorways, mathematical tiles and pub brawls.
Whilst today we think of the House in terms of its significance to Jane Austen, it has many more stories to tell. Already 300 years old when Jane Austen moved in, over its long life it has been used as a farmhouse, a coaching inn and tenement housing, as well as being the home and workplace of a one of the world’s most beloved novelists.
On this fascinating tour, you’ll learn about the origins of the building, its development over time, acquisition by the Knight family in 1769, and its murderous history as a village pub.
We’ll move on to explore the life of the House after the Austen women – who lived here and what are their memories? And of course, discover the fascinating story of the founding of the museum by dedicated Austen fans, who couldn’t bear to see her old home falling into disrepair. How did a rusty old iron grate kick-start the story of the museum, and how did the House become a war memorial?
This event will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Museum in 1949, bringing the story right up to date, from late 15th century right up to the present day.
Details:
Date: Friday 12 July
Time: 9am-10am
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: £19.50