“add what sweetmeats you please.” – Martha Lloyd’s recipe for gingerbread

Martha Lloyd and Jane Austen were born to be best friends. Neighbours, daughters of clergymen, sister-writers. In the 1790s, around the time that Jane was writing early drafts that would become Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, Martha was starting work on what is now known as Martha Lloyd’s Household Book, a compilation of recipes and remedies more than thirty years in the making – now a treasured part of the collection at Jane Austen’s House.

Martha joined Jane’s household in 1805 and moved with the Austen women to Chawton in 1809, her Household Book coming along with her. But that’s just part of her story.

This lively talk – serendipitously coinciding with International Tea Day – will raise a teacup to Martha Lloyd, celebrating her as Jane Austen’s ‘friend and sister under every circumstance’, as well as a sister, a cook, a writer and a woman in her own right.

We’ll explore the food Martha (and Jane) was enjoying, the company she was keeping, and how she went from being an honorary Austen lady to being Martha, Lady Austen.

As always, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage with other Austen aficionados! 

Details:

Date: Tuesday 21 May 2024

Time: 7 – 8pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (Greenwich meantime) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time.