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