Join our team and become part of 500 years of history
Chawton House is one of Hampshire’s hidden treasures. It relies on volunteers to share its wonders with visitors from around the world.
Best known for its Jane Austen connections — it was the home of her brother Edward, and life here may have inspired scenes in her novels — Chawton House has a much bigger story to tell.
From a medieval hunting lodge that hosted kings, to an Elizabethan celebration of new wealth; from a daring heroine persuading Roundheads to leave the house alone during the Civil War, to a young Lutyens making his mark on house and garden — there are stories everywhere you look.
Today, Chawton House is a stately home, RHS Partner Garden, popular local Tea Room and home to one of the world’s largest specialist collections of women’s writing. It’s a treasured local space where people come together for events, workshops and community activities.
And volunteers are at the heart of it all.
More than 80 people volunteer at Chawton House. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, with different interests, skills, and amounts of time to give.
Could you be one of them?
NO EXPERIENCE? NO PROBLEM.
You don’t need previous experience for any of our roles. We provide the training you need, including specialist skills. (Many volunteers celebrate the learning opportunities as the best part of the role.)
What we really need is curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to pitch in.
We’re extremely flexible about time. Our volunteers range in age from 18 to their 80s, and they all lead busy lives. We flex responsibilities and shifts to match what volunteers have to offer.
In addition to learning, finding a new community, and having fun, Chawton volunteers enjoy additional benefits:
- Free drink and cake from our Tea Room every shift; lunch if working all day
- Discounts in our shop and Tea Room
- Summer and Christmas parties with the other volunteers
- Free admission to house and garden when visiting as a guest
Our volunteers support us in three different areas. Which suits you best?
ENERGISED BY MEETING PEOPLE AND SHARING STORIES?
JOIN THE HOUSE TEAM
Welcome visitors and help people discover the stories behind Chawton House. Some volunteers dive deep into the history to become specialists in certain areas or lead whole-house tours. We don’t confine you to a script, develop your own interests and share the stories that fascinate you. Members of this team decorate the house for Christmas every year.
Perfect if you enjoy: people, conversation, history, storytelling and sharing your enthusiasm.
Contact: ian.beveridge@chawtonhouse.org
A BOOKWORM, FASCINATED BY BEAUTIFUL THINGS?
JOIN THE LIBRARY AND COLLECTIONS TEAM
Help care for the objects that tell Chawton House’s story. Collections volunteers monitor light and humidity, clean precious objects and regularly examine furniture, paintings and other items to make sure their condition remains stable. In our famous library, they handle rare books that are normally off limits to visitors. Help prepare them for scholars, return them carefully to their places and carry out the painstaking work that keeps this extraordinary collection in good condition.
Perfect if you enjoy: beautiful objects, , research, detail, quiet concentration, and learning specialist skills.
Contact: molly.maslen@chawtonhouse.org
LOVE BEING OUTDOORS?
JOIN THE GARDEN TEAM
Get your hands dirty, learn about plants and help care for one of Hampshire’s most beautiful historic gardens.
From sowing and planting to pruning and harvesting, there’s something to do throughout the year. And there’s a particular satisfaction in seeing the fruit, vegetables and herbs you’ve grown appear in the food served in our Tea Room.
Perfect if you enjoy: working outdoors, growing things, being active and seeing the results of your efforts.
Contact: julia.weaver@chawtonhouse.org
