Anniversary Weekend

Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817, aged 41. Join us to commemorate the 205th anniversary of her death with our annual Anniversary Weekend, celebrating her life and those extraordinary novels that so many people have found joy and solace in for the last 200 years.

Over this special long weekend we’ll be dressing up, promenading, writing poetry, taking tea and viewing some of our most precious objects up close.

Join us for one event or come along to everything! If you are holidaying in Hampshire this summer, we can’t think of a more perfect weekend away!

We’ll begin with Dress Up Day – back by popular demand! We can’t wait to see your finest Regency regalia – from elegant gowns to fabulous bonnets. If you have a Regency outfit ready to go that’s wonderful, but we’re here for DIY dresses too – we can’t wait to see what you come up with!

This year’s Dress Up Day will be hosted by Dr Serena Dyer, dress historian and expert in historical dress recreation. She’ll be offering surgeries on your Regency outfits, and showcasing her own collection of handmade gowns. Come along to learn, enjoy and be inspired!

Please note: dressing up is not essential, but is always a lot of fun!

We’ll be taking our dresses for a promenade with our Dress Up Day Village Walk  – a fun, relaxed guided walk around Chawton that will take you back in time to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved, and to learn about her life here, neighbours and friends. Join us for a charming Regency ramble!

On Saturday afternoon we have a special treat for you: a very special tour and tea party in celebration of Jane’s beloved novel Pride and Prejudice. Join us for a guided House tour, using objects and spaces in the House to examine and celebrate the novel, followed by a special viewing of one of our first editions of Pride and Prejudice up close, and tea in Jane’s charming cottage garden.

On Sunday we’re getting creative with an inspiring poetry workshop. Join award-winning Hampshire poet Ellora Sutton for a delightful afternoon exploring the collection at Jane Austen’s House and finding inspiration in art, artefacts and history. Come away with your own poems inspired by Jane Austen’s House – one of the most precious places in the history of English literature. Suitable for all ages and abilities!

On Monday, the anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, we’ll pay tribute to her life and work with a pop up concert of words and music in the garden performed by Chawton Primary School choir, bringing joy and mirth to Jane’s beloved home. As a beloved aunt to over thirty nephews and nieces, we know she would have adored this tribute!

Finally, for those we can’t make it to Chawton, we’ll enjoy a Virtual Pride and Prejudice Tour – a live, guided tour of the House and outbuildings, themed around Pride and Prejudice, that you can join from the comfort of your own home – wherever you may be!

Our Anniversary Weekend runs from 16-18 July. The events schedule is as follows:

Saturday 16 July:

All day: Dress Up Day

12pm: Village Walk: Dress Up Day Special

4pm: Pride and Prejudice Tour and Tea

Sunday 17 July:

2pm: Poetry workshop

Monday 18 July:

11am: Words and Music in the Garden (free with House entry)

7pm: Virtual Pride and Prejudice Tour

Capacity is limited so advance booking for all events is essential!