Thursday 18th January 2024
1-3.30pm
Join our Curator, Emma Yandle for a guided tour of Treasures of Chawton House, with an exclusive special view of a manuscript in Jane Austen’s hand, followed by a luxurious afternoon tea.
On the tour, you will explore Knight family history alongside Jane Austen’s connection to Chawton House and Godmersham Park, ending in the Library with a special viewing of an item too fragile and rare to go on long-term display: our most famous manuscript, a 52-page stage adaptation of Samuel Richardson’s novel Sir Charles Grandison (1753) in Jane Austen’s hand. Richardson’s story of a virtuous hero navigating love, honor, and societal expectations was one of Austen’s favourites, and the 7-volume novel proved immensely popular with readers throughout the 18th century. Austen helped her niece Anna put together this light-hearted adaptation, acting as her scribe to create a private theatrical similar to those Austen writes about in Mansfield Park. It was not discovered until 1977, and was annotated and edited for publication by Brian Southam in 1980. Don’t miss the opportunity to have the House and Library to yourself, and to see Jane’s writing up close!
Tickets: £30
Includes House and Garden entry, guided tour (1pm) and afternoon tea (2.15pm)
