Friday 15th September 2023
Venue: Chawton House
Curator’s talk – Library display, the true stories behind Gill Hornby’s novel Godmersham Park
Join Curator Emma Yandle for an object-led talk delving further into Chawton House’s latest library display: Godmersham Park: the novel.
In her latest novel, Godmersham Park, writer Gill Hornby tells the story of Anne Sharp, a young woman forced by circumstance to take up the role of governess to Edward Austen’s daughter Fanny, at his main residence – Godmersham Park, in Kent. Anne Sharp was a real person, and it was at Godmersham Park that she met Jane Austen. The two recognised each other as intellectual equals with a shared love of literature. “My dearest Anne”, became Austen’s life-long correspondent: and it was to Anne that she addressed her final letter sent from Chawton, before she died in 1817.
Image: Illustration of Godmersham Park Library Jessica Irene Joyce Watercolour on paper, 2018
Gill Hornby’s well-researched novel draws from works in Chawton House’s collection to tell Anne Sharp’s story. Learn more about Godmersham Park – the fact and fiction – and see up-close works that didn’t make it into the display, in this special talk.
Taking place on: Friday 15 September: 10:30-11:30am
Please note, the tour takes place on the ground floor, which has level access. If you require accessible parking please email info@chawtonhouse.org
Max 10 people per talk. The talk takes approximately 60 minutes
Booking Details
Pre-booking: Required
Go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/winchester-heritage-open-days-17274323708
Booking opens: 8 August 2023 09:30
Booking closes: 11 September 2023