“All the fun and nonsense of a large and clever family”

“All the fun and nonsense of a large and clever family” – the words of Jane Austen’s niece, Anna, and what a lovely description of Jane’s family and the background to her childhood and early years.

Born 16 December 1775 the seventh of eight children – with six brothers and a beloved sister, Cassandra – her father, Reverend George Austen, also ran a boarding school for boys, and so the household in the village of Steventon (just south of Hampshire’s Basingstoke) must have been a wonderful busy, bustling place in which to grow up.

And with 2025 the 250th anniversary of the birth of our celebrated novelist, famed for her six books – Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion – it’s fascinating to see how family life and home background influenced her writing.

With brothers variously entering the Church and the military – both navy and militia – along with attending balls and parties and social events in town Assembly Rooms and grand local houses, this must have provided so much inspiration for the plots and themes in Jane’s novels.

But it isn’t only her writing in the form of novels that Jane has left behind, and although her sister Cassandra destroyed many of her letters, those that remain also give insight into her life and the backdrop of the scenery around her. Back in Georgian times, letters were not only the only form of communication, but often read aloud as a form of entertainment for friends and family. So, Jane’s are full of the wit and writing expertise we find in her novels, as well as including pinpoint descriptions of family members and friends and the surroundings forming the backdrop of personal experiences, and which create such an evocative picture of Jane Austen’s life.

And we’re incredibly fortunate in Hampshire to have so much of that scenery and background described in Jane’s letters surviving today – and why we’re so excited to be offering a walking tour of some of the streets and lanes along which Jane herself trod. The beautiful village of Overton, just a few miles from Jane’s home in Steventon, is also where Jane shopped and posted many of those letters that give such a wonderful insight into her life.

Five Hampshire locations which played a part in the life of this literary genius .....

These Hampshire villages, towns or cities all played a part in Jane Austen's life

Steventon

Steventon is Jane Austen's birthplace and the village where she spent the first 25 years of her life. Here, she began her literary journey, drafting early versions of her iconic novels, including Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. The rectory where Jane lived, although no longer standing, is marked by a plaque. The nearby St. Nicholas Church, where Jane’s father was rector, remains a tangible link to her family’s presence in the area.

Chawton

Chawton is one of the most significant places associated with Jane Austen. In 1809, Jane moved to Chawton Cottage, now the Jane Austen’s House Museum, where she spent the last productive years of her life. It was in this modest but charming house that she revised earlier drafts of her novels and wrote Emma, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. Just a short walk away is Chawton House, owned by her brother Edward, which houses a fascinating library of women’s writing and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Austen family.

Winchester

Winchester is where Jane Austen spent her final months and where she tragically passed away in 1817 at the age of 41. She moved to the city to seek medical treatment but died shortly after. Jane is buried in Winchester Cathedral, and her grave in the north aisle attracts visitors from around the world. Although her original epitaph does not mention her literary achievements, a nearby brass plaque and a memorial window honour her contributions to English literature. Walking through the city’s historic streets gives a sense of the world Jane would have known in her final days.

Alton

The market town of Alton, near Chawton, was a frequent destination for Jane Austen. She often walked or took a carriage to Alton to shop, post letters, or to socialise. Many of the shops and inns she would have known still stand, providing a tangible connection to her daily life. Jane’s regular visits to Alton played a vital role in keeping her connected to the wider world beyond the village, and the town remains a vibrant hub for Austen enthusiasts today.

Southampton

Southampton also has ties to Jane Austen, as she lived there with her mother and sister from 1806 to 1809 following her father’s death. During her time in this bustling port city, Jane often walked along the walls of the Old Town and visited Netley Abbey. and, although her stay in Southampton was relatively short, it marked a transitional period in her life before her move to Chawton.

Looking for Jane Austen experiences?

• Join one of our guided walks of Overton, a village where Jane spent a great deal of time in her early years - click here for more details. Thanks to Overton Parish Council and Overton Jane Austen Trails for their support in helping curate our tours around Overton

• This unique, small group experience includes a talk about Regency clothing and an opportunity to try on costumes from the period - click here for more details

• Enjoy a Jane Austen Afternoon Tea in one of Winchester's iconic hotels. Take tea in the cosy lounge or, weather permitting, on the lawn of the walled garden - more details coming soon! Email hello@experiencehampshire.uk to register your interest