23 March 2011

J is for Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, you may have read the novels of Jane Austen or seen them adapted into film/TV but did you know that Jane Austen is buried here in Winchester in the Cathedral.

In May 1817, suffering from a kidney disorder, she came to Winchester from Chawton along with her sister to be close to her doctor. Unfortunately Jane died a couple of months after arriving here aged 41 years old and was laid to rest in the cathedral. The original memorial stone over Jane’s tomb (to the left of the photo) makes no reference to her literary achievements, so a brass plaque was added in 1872 to redress this.

For more 'J' themed posts see ABC Wednesday

22 comments:

  1. Great post and very interesting too. I read all her books. She was one of the first women who became a successful author. The sisters Bronte used the names of non existent men, because they couldn't find a publisher who wanted to read books written by women. They were then more successful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. As a BIG fan of her books, I need to say THANK YOU, for sharing the information about Austin.
    Wonderful woman!
    And your post is fabulous!
    Léia

    ReplyDelete
  3. I adore Jane Austen's work! I did not know that her first memorial made no reference to her literary achievements! An amazing oversight! But love the style of the second plaque!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great information about a very talented woman. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very interesting J and so pretty too.

    Please come and meet the J's in my Family, hope to see you around, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have everything in Winchester. I love Jane Austin and enjoyed seeing this post.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful place to be buried!

    ReplyDelete
  8. never read her, but have seen countless adaptations.

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

    ReplyDelete
  9. She's a very popular writer it's true, and there is a Jane Austen 'trail' through Winchester. One of the last things she ever wrote a couple of days before her death was a poem entitled Venta (the old Roman name for Winchester)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I smiled ear to ear when I saw this! We have exactly the same entry except that your photos rock. I seldom see photos of JA's grave. Winchester is one place I vow to see when I visit England again. Sooo happy your entry is about my idol! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Janeites unite.
    When I was in Winchester, I missed seeing this - can't remember why, now.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, I'm glad they added to it. It would be a shame not to make note of that on her memorial tablet. Interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm not a fan of her writing but it is good to see her recognised here.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hazel - Great minds think alike :) !

    Violet Sky - it is hidden away a bit in the cathedral and there are so many memorials in there, I think they're trying to make more of it now.

    Thanks all for dropping by

    ReplyDelete
  15. Did not know that. Never read one of her novels. Yet.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I must admit I haven't read any of her books either :) Seen some of the TV & film versions though!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gee - aren't we lucky that medicine has advanced since Jane's era. Interesting Post.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love Jane Austen!!! I've visited your beautiful city...been in the cathedral...posted pics on my other blog!

    Glad you stopped by my blog for a visit...(MammothLakesDP)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wow! A famous person buried in Winchester. Who doesn't love Austen? She had a great talent for storytelling.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love the works of Austen, very witty and insightful woman. Much of what she wrote is as true of human nature today as it was when written 200 years ago. I have most of the books and I think all of the more recent TV and cinema versions. Living pretty close (8 miles) to Haworth home of the Brontes I had long forgotten the burial in Winchester.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Chieftess - just saw your Winchester photos - you visited all the best places! Wykeham Arms is a great pub, even if they do prefer dogs to children!

    ReplyDelete