Join author and biographer Jan Merriman for a free talk on Philadelphia Hancock, Jane Austen’s Aunt ‘Phila’. Based on extensive original research, Jan builds a picture of Philadelphia’s life and times, the people she knew and the places she lived.

This talk celebrates Jan’s new book: Jane Austen’s Remarkable Aunt Philadelphia Hancock, published by Pen & Sword UK. This fascinating book tells the real story of Jane’s aunt and of her favourite cousin, the ‘outlandish’ comtesse Eliza de Feuillide. It is the narrative of a remarkable eighteenth-century woman’s life journey; orphaned and poor, of the kind her niece would later fictionalise, and of how she manages to make her way to respectability, love and financial security.

Details:

Date: Saturday 19 April 2025

Time: 11.30am – 12pm

Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us. 

Tickets: Free with House admission – book general admission here – please make sure you select 19 April!

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event.

Author and biographer Jan Merriman