More related content:<\/p>

Great novels and autobiographies set in the British countryside<\/a><\/li>
A literary tour of Jane Austen\u2019s Bath<\/a><\/li>
Guide to the Georgian era: how long did it last and best places to visit in Britain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Did Jane Austen ever marry?<\/h3>
But when Jane was 25, and still unmarried, her father decided he would move the family to the city of Bath<\/b>. He was getting too old to run the farm, and he needed to find husbands for his daughters, to support them after he was dead. Among the hard, bright-white stone pavements and streetscapes of Bath, Jane moped and pined for the countryside. Now she had to pay sixpence merely to visit the pleasure gardens, where she spent as much of her time as possible. \u201cYesterday was a busy day with me,\u201d she wrote after one visit, \u201cor at least with my feet\u2026 I was walking almost all day long.\u201d<\/p>
$\"Row$ Royal Crescent, Bath\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Jane Austen’s seaside romance<\/h3>
One advantage, though, of not having the livestock to tie them down, was that the Austen’s could now go on holiday to the seaside. Until the late Georgian age, you wouldn\u2019t have actively sought out the sea; it was wild and dangerous. But now the increasingly urban lives of families like the Austen’s encouraged them to enjoy the contrast provided by sea-bathing, or walking in beautiful scenery. They even started to appreciate bad weather, which could of course be sublimely beautiful as well as inconvenient.<\/p>
$\"Coastal$
The harbour wall known as the Cobb in Lyme Regis. The seaside town of Lyme Regis is a part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Jane stayed a couple of times in Lyme Regis, the former port now turning into a resort. She once described herself as a \u2018desperate\u2019 walker, so she was in her element following the Dorset coast to the neighbouring village of Charmouth,<\/a> swimming in the sea, and dancing in Lyme\u2019s Assembly Rooms. I believe that she was happiest when she was away on holiday like this, living in lodgings, away from a home where the duties of a spinster daughter were many (and unpaid). Lyme Regis, the seaside, were places for romance, and there are hints that it was on a seaside holiday that a rather mysterious but important relationship in Jane\u2019s own life unfolded. And that\u2019s why in her novel Persuasion<\/i>, Lyme Regis is a place for falling in love.<\/p>
$\"Box$ Panorama taken from Box Hill in the Surrey Hills, England, UK, with a trig point in the foreground and farms, fields, the town of Dorking and the village of Brockham in the background. (Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>
It\u2019s harder to prove exactly which other real-life places inspired Jane\u2019s novels, so carefully did she fictionalise her world.The beautifully observed country outing to Box Hill<\/a> in Surrey, which Jane Austen describes in Emma<\/i>, was surely inspired by the real place. It\u2019s more difficult to prove, although it\u2019s likely, that the Gardiners\u2019 tour of the Peak District in Pride and Prejudice <\/i>was inspired by a visit Jane paid to a cousin in North Staffordshire, and that the up-and-coming Georgian seaside resort of Worthing inspired the incomplete novel Sanditon<\/i> that Jane was working on at the time of her death.<\/p>
er. <\/h4><\/div><\/div>
Hampshire homecoming<\/h3>
When Jane\u2019s father died in Bath in 1805, she and her sister were thrown into financial crisis. Now they had to live on charitable handouts from their brothers. They lived a makeshift life in a succession of temporary lodgings, until their richest brother offered them a cottage rent-free in the Hampshire village of Chawton. This homecoming to her native county allowed Jane to feel settled enough to produce the three great novels of her maturity: Mansfield Park<\/i>, Emma<\/i>, and finally, Persuasion<\/i>, the last novel she completed before her horribly early death, at the age of just 41.<\/p>
$\"Country$ The home of the English novelist Jane Austen (1775-1817), Chawton, Hampshire, United Kingdom\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
People familiar with the feature films of the books might think of Jane Austen, wrongly, as the author of \u2018chick lit\u2019, always telling stories in which boy meets girl. In reality, she\u2019s much more subtle than that. She reveals, among other things, how her characters react to the problems unfolding in the Georgian countryside. The Napoleonic Wars lasted for most of Jane\u2019s lifetime, pushing up the price of grain, and making it desirable for landowners to inclose their fields, fertilise their soil and keep out both the people and animals who had wandered freely there before. To enclose meant to put up a fence, but to inclose was to change the land\u2019s legal status, removing former rights to graze or forage. This deprived many poorer people of their traditional sources of food. Hints of this painful change in countryside life would pop up time and again in Austen\u2019s novels, from the man who mends a hedge (the symbol of inclosure) in Mansfield Park<\/i>, to the hungry gypsies who might have stolen Highbury\u2019s poultry in Emma<\/i>. We can always judge Jane\u2019s male leads, who are largely landowners, by how generously they treat their landed estates and workers.<\/p>
$\"GettyImages-570303603-d83941f\"$ Actors Raymond Coulthard, Kate Beckinsale, and Mark Strong during production of the TV film adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, circa 1996\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
How Jane Austen’s love of the countryside inspired her work<\/h3>
During her second long spell of living in Hampshire, enjoying the countryside and nature once again became important for Jane. She and her sister Cassandra might walk a mile to the shops at the nearby town of Alton, or take advantage of their access to her rich brother Edward\u2019s house, just up the road, where they \u201cliked to stroll about the grounds \u2013 sometimes to Chawton Park \u2013 a noble beech wood, just within a walk\u201d. Sadly, these woods had to be sold off as the family faced financial problems and even the growing success of Jane\u2019s novels did not earn her very much money of her own before, in 1817, she had to move to Winchester for medical treatment.<\/p>
$\"GettyImages-169451684-ac22850\"$
Chawton House, the local manor and home of Jane\u2019s wealthy brother Edward. Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
In 1942, one Jane Austen historian spoke to a Mrs Luff of Alton, whose grandmother could recall, as a little girl, hearing \u201cthe grown-ups\u201d talking about Jane Austen and her life in Chawton. What Mrs Luff\u2019s grandmother clearly remembered was the description they\u2019d given of Jane Austen in the act of \u201crunning across the field to call on her friends\u201d.<\/p>
This last hint of Jane from a memory-chain of local people is telling. Yes, what they recalled was the author not at her desk, but running through her beloved Hampshire fields.<\/p>
When did Jane Austen die?<\/h2>
Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817<\/p>
Best places to visit in the UK that inspired Jane Austen<\/h2>
Two centuries after Austen’s death, here are six places to re-discover the novelist and the inspiration behind her major work.<\/p>
1<\/p>
St Nicholas Church, Hampshire<\/h3><\/div>
At first sight, it looks like just another empty, grassy field. But you\u2019ll often see cars parked near the Hampshire village of Steventon, and people peering into this field through its hedge. They\u2019re looking for the remains of Steventon Rectory, birthplace \u2013 and home for the first 25 years of her life \u2013 of Britain\u2019s best-loved novelist. The remains of the Austen family\u2019s water pump are still visible, and when the sun falls low, you can see the lines of garden terraces in the slope of the hill.<\/p>
Constructed in the 12th Century, St Nicolas Church lies half a mile from the centre of Steveton village. Memorials to the Austen family can be seen in the church and the churchyard.<\/p>
$\"GX1DYX$
GX1DYX St Nicholas Church nestled amongst the trees on the Chawton House parkland, Hampshire, UK<\/figcaption><\/figure>
2<\/p>
Jane Austen’s House Museum, Hampshire<\/h3><\/div>
Jane adored the countryside of her native Hampshire so much that she \u201cwould sometimes say she thought it must form one of the joys of heaven\u201d. From her first home in Steventon, she would walk the lanes to visit friends in other clerical families, or up the high street to the coaching inn to pick up the post.<\/p>
The novelist\u2019s home from 1809 until 1817 is where Austen produced three of her major novels. Today, the museum has Austen artefacts on display, and features events and exhibitions. www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk<\/a><\/p>
$\"EC1JKM$
EC1JKM Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SD . Jane Austen ‘s home from 1809 for the last 8 years of her life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
3<\/p>
Jane Austen Tours, Lyme Regis, Dorset<\/h3><\/div>
Jane stayed a couple of times in Lyme Regis, the former port now turning into a resort. She once described herself as a \u2018desperate\u2019 walker, so she was in her element following the Dorset coast to the neighbouring village of Charmouth, swimming in the sea, and dancing in Lyme\u2019s Assembly Rooms.<\/p>
Austen’s Persuasion<\/em> was set in Lyme Regis \u2013 take a tour that follows in the footsteps of the loved writer and her characters. Tours are available every Saturday from May to September. www.literarylyme.co.uk\/15-jane-austen-tours<\/a><\/p>
$\"B531YA$
B531YA Historic Cottages dating from early 19th Century and Earlier Lyme Regis Dorset. Image shot 2008. Exact date unknown.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
4<\/p>
Pemberley Walk, Lyme Park, Cheshire<\/h3><\/div>
While Austen may not have visited herself, Lyme Park<\/a> has been etched in viewers\u2019 minds as ‘Pemberley’ since the BBC\u2019s famous adaptation of Pride and Prejudice<\/em>.<\/p>
Built in the 16th century, Lyme Park is surrounded by stunning views and glorious countryside. Follow in the footsteps of Mr Darcy around the formal gardens, and explore the wider grounds, picnicking beside the lake with the classic Pemberley view. www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/lyme\/trails<\/a><\/p>
$\"Lyme$
Lyme Park estate with its manor house and deer park has been a favourite with Peak District visitors ever since Colin Firth emerged from the adjoining lake in the 1995s BBC mini-series version of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. (Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>
<\/p>
5<\/p>
Box Hill, Surrey<\/h3><\/div>
It\u2019s hard to prove exactly which other real-life places inspired Jane\u2019s novels, so carefully did she fictionalise her world. However, the beautifully observed country outing to Box Hill in Surrey, which Jane Austen describes in Emma<\/i>, was surely inspired by the real place.<\/p>
Box Hill offers a variety of walks, from a gentle stroll to an eight-mile hike. The riverside walk takes you through unusual grassland and ancient woodland, and walkers can witness some unique second World War II structures. www.nationaltrust.org.uk\/box-hill<\/a><\/p>
$\"CRE2DH$
A section of the South West Coast Path near Charmouth in Dorset, UK, with typical Dorset rolling countryside\/Credit: Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
6<\/p>
Bath, Somerset<\/h3><\/div>
Take to the streets and explore the spaces and places of Bath that inspired, influenced and housed the great Jane Austen. Despite the beauty and fashionable society, her years in Bath were her least productive with regard to writing. She did, however, enjoy her time there, participating fully in Bath life and later setting her third novel Northanger Abbey<\/i> in the bustling, gossiping scenes of Bath\u2019s high society.<\/p>
Join Tiffany Francis on a literary tour of Bath<\/a>, home of the 18th-century novelist Jane Austen.<\/p>
$\"Old$
Old roman baths at bath, england, built on the site of the godess aquae suilis<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Jane Austen events and exhibitions<\/h3>
Would you like to experience the world of Jane Austen? Step back in time at these events and exhibitions around the country, to explore her life and those of her characters in Regency England<\/p>
HAMPSHIRE<\/h3>
$\"Country$
Chawton Church and parkland, Jane Austen village, Hampshire (Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Jane Austen\u2019s House Museum, Hampshire<\/h3>
The novelist\u2019s home from 1809 until 1817 has Austen artefacts on display, and features events and exhibitions.<\/p>
Winchester Road, Chawton GU34 1SD. <\/b>01420 83262, jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk<\/a><\/p>
Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire<\/h3>
Jane was buried in the north aisle of the nave. Her gravestone does not mention her books.<\/p>
BATH<\/h3>
$\"Ariel$
Evening view of Royal Crescent, a heritage street in the English city of Bath. (Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Jane Austen Festival, Bath<\/b><\/h3>Theatricals, musical soirees, walks, tours and talks. janeausten.co.uk\/festival<\/a><\/p>
The Jane Austen Centre, Bath<\/h3>
Permanent exhibition about Austen\u2019s time in Bath. Gay Street, Queen Square, Bath BA1 2NT.01225 443000, janeausten.co.uk<\/a><\/p>
DORSET<\/strong><\/p>
Jane Austen Tours, Lyme Regis<\/h3>Taking place every Saturday from May to September. Jane Austen visited Lyme Regis and set Persuasion in the town. This tour follows in the footsteps of Austen and her characters. literarylyme.co.uk\/janeaustentours.html<\/a><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Jane Austen is one of the nation\u2019s most beloved classic novelists. Her characters converse in parlours and gallivant across the land, but what was her life like? Here is our expert Jane Austen guide which looks at her family history, locations that inspired her novels and places you can visit. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":34288,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"12"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/01\/who-was-jane-austen-history-of-the-famous-author-and-best-heritage-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk.jpg",1200,997,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/01\/who-was-jane-austen-history-of-the-famous-author-and-best-heritage-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/01\/who-was-jane-austen-history-of-the-famous-author-and-best-heritage-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk-300x249.jpg",300,249,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/01\/who-was-jane-austen-history-of-the-famous-author-and-best-heritage-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk-768x638.jpg",768,638,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/01\/who-was-jane-austen-history-of-the-famous-author-and-best-heritage-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk-1024x851.jpg",800,665,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/01\/who-was-jane-austen-history-of-the-famous-author-and-best-heritage-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk.jpg",1200,997,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/01\/who-was-jane-austen-history-of-the-famous-author-and-best-heritage-houses-to-visit-in-the-uk.jpg",1200,997,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Jane Austen is one of the nation\u2019s most beloved classic novelists. Her characters converse in parlours and gallivant across the land, but what was her life like? Here is our expert Jane Austen guide which looks at her family history, locations that inspired her novels and places you can visit.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/34287"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

When did Jane Austen die?<\/h2>
Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817<\/p>

Jane Austen events and exhibitions<\/h3>
Would you like to experience the world of Jane Austen? Step back in time at these events and exhibitions around the country, to explore her life and those of her characters in Regency England<\/p>

Jane Austen\u2019s House Museum, Hampshire<\/h3>
The novelist\u2019s home from 1809 until 1817 has Austen artefacts on display, and features events and exhibitions.<\/p>
Winchester Road, Chawton GU34 1SD. <\/b>01420 83262, jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk<\/a><\/p>

The Jane Austen Centre, Bath<\/h3>
Permanent exhibition about Austen\u2019s time in Bath. Gay Street, Queen Square, Bath BA1 2NT.01225 443000, janeausten.co.uk<\/a><\/p>
DORSET<\/strong><\/p>

When did Jane Austen die?<\/h2>Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817<\/p>

Jane Austen events and exhibitions<\/h3>Would you like to experience the world of Jane Austen? Step back in time at these events and exhibitions around the country, to explore her life and those of her characters in Regency England<\/p>

Jane Austen\u2019s House Museum, Hampshire<\/h3>The novelist\u2019s home from 1809 until 1817 has Austen artefacts on display, and features events and exhibitions.<\/p>

When did Jane Austen die?<\/h2>
Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817<\/p>

Jane Austen events and exhibitions<\/h3>
Would you like to experience the world of Jane Austen? Step back in time at these events and exhibitions around the country, to explore her life and those of her characters in Regency England<\/p>

Jane Austen\u2019s House Museum, Hampshire<\/h3>
The novelist\u2019s home from 1809 until 1817 has Austen artefacts on display, and features events and exhibitions.<\/p>
Winchester Road, Chawton GU34 1SD. <\/b>01420 83262, jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk<\/a><\/p>