Pride and Prejudice Day

Pride and Prejudice was first published on 28 January 1813. Our annual celebrations for Pride and Prejudice Day bring a welcome cheer to the depths of January, and give us all a welcome opportunity to celebrate our favourite lines, moments and characters!

Essay

In celebration of the 210th publication of Pride and Prejudice, Professor John Mullan tells us why it is the most wonderful novel – from scintillating dialogue to living, breathing characters.

Quiz

Take our fun P&P Day quiz to find out which supporting character you’d be!

Videos

As part of our Art Fund Reimagine project, we’re making a series of videos of short extracts from Jane Austen’s novels, performed by actors who are the same age as the characters. 

First up: a heartfelt speech from Mr Darcy…

…and a a flippant letter from the original party-girl, Lydia Bennet:

Playlists

Enjoy a Pride and Prejudice Playlist, created by our Reimagine Resident pianist Laura Klein. Choose from a playlist for 1813 and one for 2023.

BBC adaptation

Mr Darcy (played by Colin Firth) in the famous 'lake scene'. ©BBC

Head of BBC History, Robert Seatter says: “The BBC is delighted to be supporting this celebration of the much-loved Pride and Prejudice with an open invitation to revel in Andrew Davies’ enduringly popular TV adaptation. You can also find that famous wet shirt on our BBC Objects Collection it’s that significant to the story of the BBC!”

Listen to BBC Radio 4’s Property of the BBC programme to hear about the importance of the shirt!

Characters and Objects

Discover some of our favourite characters from the novel and related objects in the Museum collection…

10 Ways to Celebrate P&P Day

There are lots of ways to get involved, wherever you are in the world – check out our handy guide to all the ways to celebrate our favourite novel!

At home resources

Download our printable resources for libraries, schools, community centres and anyone looking to celebrate  P&P Day at home!

Social

Join us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok – and help to spread the Pride and Prejudice Day love! Join in using #PrideandPrejudiceDay