Jane Austen info
 

Hi, <BR>Where is the house purchased several years ago by Sandy Lerner, a co-founder of Cisco, that had belonged to Jane Austen's brother? Is it open to the public for tours? <BR>We will be in Great Britain in late June and I might want to include this on our family (7 of us, from age 10 to grandparents) itinerary. Also, I have conflicting info re Bath. Some saying it's a pretty city, others saying time is better spent in Winchester, York, etc. Other opinions are welcome! <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>I <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Donna, <BR> <BR>Can't help you with Jane Austen's Brother's house, but as you perhaps know both Bath and Winchester have strong ties to her life. She lived in Bath for several years, and is buried in Winchester Cathedral. As for the debate about which city is best for visiting while in Britain, well, let me officially declare my decision to devote the remainder of my life to finding out:) <BR> <BR>Seriously though, in my opinion Bath and York provide a wonderful contrast of two distinct aspects of England. I would say that York has more historical significance as the "Second City" of England, from the Roman empire through Viking and Norman times. It still retains much of its medieval character, with nearly-intact city walls encircling a magnificent Minster and lots of winding alleys (including the famous "Shambles"). <BR> <BR>By contrast, very little remains of pre-18th century Bath. The Roman bath-house has been largely superceded, and the only significant medieval structure I can recall is the Abbey. However, what Bath is famous for, of course, is its Georgian architecture. The Royal Crescent, Circus, Assembly Rooms, Pulteney Bridge, Pump Room, etc. provide an amazing architectural view of England during its grand procession into preeminence during the 18th and 19th Centuries. <BR> <BR>If I were recommending sites outside London for my best friend to visit, York would be at the top of the list, followed closely by Bath. You can hardly do wrong by visiting either. Indeed, I would say the arguments between partisans of the two is a testimony to both. Both are also useful bases for exploring quintessentially English countryside (the Cotswolds from Bath and the Yorkshire Moors and Dales from York). <BR> <BR>Getting back to Winchester. If you like cathedrals, I would recommend spending a half day in Winchester and another day or two in nearby Salisbury. Salisbury Cathedral has the most beautiful exterior I've ever visited, with the tallest spire in England and surrounded by a Close and meadows that set it off perfectly. In contrast, Winchester Cathedral seems a bit boxy and squat from the outside, but more than makes up for that by its interior charm. Aside from Jane Austen's tomb, there are some wonderful carvings in the choir and several interesting chapels and shrines. Another impressive contrast betwen these two neighboring cathedrals is that Salisbury, which was built in less than 70 years, shows a very uniform style, whereas Winchester exhibits distinct elements of several different periods.

Donna, <BR> <BR>This website (http://www.criticalreview.com/lf/9712/fn.html) has an essay on Chawton House, which I believe is the place you are asking about - it is owned by Sandy Lerner. From what I could tell, the article was written in 1998 and the opening of Chawton House was nowhere in sight at that time. <BR> <BR>You might also be interested in the report from a Jane Austen of North America Tour of England at http://www.jasna.org/tour1997.html which included visits to Winchester and Chawton among many other places. <BR> <BR>

Dave, <BR>Thanks so much for this information -- very helpful. We may visit both Salisbury and Winchester, but don't believe we will go out to Chawton. <BR>Another question re Bath, since you seem to know it quite well, do you recommend the Theatre Royal? If so, do you happen to know if they have a web site to view summer schedules. I'm finding this so much easier than phoning! <BR>Thanks again! <BR>Donna

The web site for the Theatre Royal in Bath is www.theatreroyal.org.uk <BR>I haven't been to a production there but if you are in Salisbury I can personally recommend the Salisbury Playhouse! <BR>I live about halfway between Salisbury and Winchester and agree with Dave about the amount of time to spend in each city. As you are interested in Jane Austen perhaps you would like to check out the following web site sponsored by the Bath Tourist Office, its devoted to Jane Austen's Bath and includes a city walk www.openworld.co.uk/austen/index.html

Donna, you might also try asking this question on a forum on this site. <BR>http://www.pemberley.com/ A great site for Austen lovers everywhere! I'm sure some of the folks there have visited Jane's old haunts. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

This is information for the Jane Austen <BR>museum/house in Alton <BR> <BR>The phone number of the museum-house is 01 42 08 3262. Their email address is <BR>[email protected] <BR>

Hi Donna, <BR>I visited Jane Austen's house at Chawton, near Alton, Hampshire in 1995. It is a cottage given to Jane and her mother by her brother who owned the big house nearby. I imagine this is the house you are thinking of. It had a fascinating collection of Austen memorabilia and, being a fan, I loved it.It is open daily 11am to 430 pm.March to December and Sats and Suns in January and February.It is in easy reach of Winchester. Have fun.

In answer to one of your questions, allow me to say I have been to and loved the Theatre Royal in Bath!!!!! I went there serendipitously -- we were just walking past about an hour before showtime, and they had just started selling extra-cheap (5 or 10 pounds each, I don't remember) back-row tickets. The tickets entitled us and other thrifty theatre-goers to squeeze onto a red-velvet bench at the very top of the house... we could see just fine, and enjoyed a great National Theatre touring production of the London Cuckolds. I don't know what the prices are like normally, but it's worth checking out. (By the way, regarding Bath: it's definitely worth doing, even if you don't troop from one museum to another. A lot to enjoy just by wandering around. I found York less amenable.)