If you’ve ever curled up with a good book on a rainy day in your caravan, you’ll appreciate the power of an author who knows how to craft compelling fiction.
Some 250 years after her birth, the city of Winchester is set to celebrate such a writer with events to recognise Jane Austen.
Austen lived in Winchester for a time up until her death, giving the cathedral city a strong link to one of the world’s most famous writers.
So, if you’re a booklover looking for a literary destination to explore in your caravan in 2025, add Winchester to your list.
Number 8 College Street
Austen’s final home, where she wrote her last poem three days before her death, will open to the public for the first time from June 4th to August 30th, with displays prepared by Winchester College.
They will explain Austen’s connections to the city, along with the story of her last days through artefacts that have never been on public display before.
Tickets for tours of the College Street residence are on sale now and must be booked in advance.
Winchester College Museum
A selection of items associated with Jane Austen will be on display at the Winchester College Museum Treasury from May until the end of the year.
These will include first editions of her novels and manuscripts written by Austen and other members of her family.
Eight of Austen’s nephews were pupils at Winchester College and the school is mentioned in some of her surviving correspondence.
Winchester Cathedral
Unsurprisingly, Austen’s final resting place will be taking part in the 250th anniversary events, with the original manuscript of her poem To the Memory of Mrs Lefroy going on display.
Interactive light and sound installations will be used for The Storytellers exhibition, which will honour Austen and other writers at the cathedral from March 11th to 15th.
The cathedral will also be hosting a Regency ball on May 31st, with guests invited to don their finest attire for an evening celebrating the customs and traditions that were often seen in Austen’s novels.
The Great Hall
Another Regency ball is set to take place on August 16th, but this time at Winchester’s Great Hall, where guests will be taught how to dance in the style of the period.
Anyone not sure what to wear for such an event could attend the Regency fashion show being staged on July 26th for some inspiration.
On September 5th, the Great Hall will host an audience with historian and best-selling author, Lucy Worsley, who will discuss the life of Austen in detail.
Councillor Lucille Thompson, cabinet member for business and culture at Winchester City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see so many attractions and businesses coming together to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth.
“Winchester is fortunate to be home to significant moments of Austen’s history, and we are thrilled to be hosting such a variety of wonderful events and exhibitions.
“We are proud of our city’s heritage and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to be part of these special celebrations.”
Photo credit: Gilbert Yates Photography
