Jane Austen 200

Who was the mysterious Jane Austen? 

A quiet country girl who was fond of retail, romance and dancing?  Or a strong-minded woman of war, empire and business, who chose to remain unmarried, write novels and settle for nothing less than Mr Darcy.

Jane Austen penned six novels in her lifetime which were published anonymously and brought her little fame.  Today she is regarded as one of England's most celebrated authors.  Her novels and subsequent film and television adaptations have turned her into a global superstar.

Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817 at the relatively young age of 41 and is buried in Winchester Cathedral.  2017 marked the 200th anniversary of her death which inspired an exciting year of exhibitions, events, and artifacts, some held in private hands and not seen for over 40 years.

Discover six portraits of Jane Austen displayed together for the first time, her pelisse coat, the letters and poems she wrote, the manuscript of Sanditon she had to abandon, the 'other' ending to Persuasion, as well as her writing slope and the royalty cheque she received for Emma.

And in memory of Jane, the launch of a new bank note, Jane's prayers sung for the first time, her music books played, new statues unveiled, and art trails uncovered.

Jane Austen 200 is filled with unseen photographs and accompanying commentary that illuminate Jane's life and take you on a journey 200 years after her death.