Jane Austen: Bath’s Literary Daughter
The beautiful city of Bath in southwest England, is more than just a picture postcard. Its honey-coloured stones have watched centuries of writers come and go, sharing stories both real and imagined.
The most beloved literary daughter of Bath is of course Jane Austen, who spent a good deal of her life here (although she was born and is buried in Hampshire).
Other local visitors and fans were Mary Shelley (who created Frankenstein!) and social activist writer Charles Dickens, who is said to have conceived his character Little Nell, while visiting.
Bath’s Place in Literary History
Years ago, Bath was the place to be, if you were a wealthy visitor in a powdered wig. The Georgian streets and Roman roots set the stage for many dramatic stories, and the bustling social scene provided endless inspiration for writers, offering glimpses of both elegance and excess.
And the grand crescents and sweeping parks gave writers backdrops for both high society romance, and sharp satire. Bath was a meeting point for people from different walks of life, from lords and ladies, to artists and scoundrels.
Jane Austen only wrote six novels, but her humorous observations on middle-class England still make her one of our most read authors.
She was born in Hampshire but spent much of her life in Bath, before dying (just 41, likely from Addison’s disease) in Winchester.
Despite one proposal of marriage which would have seen her financially secure for life, she refused (some believe, because it would have be meant she had to give up writing):
The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen
While Bath’s architecture is a sight to behold, its literary ties also add charm to its scenic views. The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen is a gorgeous illustrated keepsake, with writings from her life.
Strolling through Bath, you’ll recognise the settings from Austen’s novels. The Pump Room, Assembly Rooms, and Sydney Gardens echo scenes from her tales, offering a glimpse into the city that influenced her writing.
Above is Steventon, the quiet area in Hampshire where Jane was born. She returned to Hampshire near the end of her life, and is buried in Winchester Cathedral.
A Guided Tour of Jane Austen’s Homes
Jane Austen at Home is a stunning gift book for anyone who adores the books of Jane Austen, to celebrate the 250th birthday of one of England’s moved beloved novelist. Discover the rooms from where this remarkable author quietly changed the world.
Lucy travels from room to room and from house to house), showing us how and why Jane Austen lived the way she did, examining places and spaces that mattered to her.
It was not all country houses and ballrooms, often her life was a painful struggle. Although Jane was known to live a ‘life without incident’, new research suggests a passionate woman, who fought for her freedom.
And far from being a lonely spinster, Jane had at least five marriage prospects, who who in the end refused to settle for anything less, than Mr Darcy from her books! The book features a guided tour of all the best Jane Austen sites, in a gorgeous travelogue that is perfect for Austen fans worldwide.
