Harlaxton 2017: Jane Austen (Chawton and Winchester Visit)

By: Grayson Fuller

Today, we departed from Nutford House in Westminster to travel to Chawton Village and the city of Winchester. Upon arriving at Chawton, we proceeded to tour the cottage in which Jane Austen wrote many of her novels. After this, we toured the grounds of the Knight Estate, where Austen’s cottage was located.  Following the tour of the Estate, we visited St. Nicholas Church and the adjoining cemetery. Buried here are both Mrs. Austen, Jane’s Mother, and Cassandra Austen, Jane’s sister.

Next up on the itinerary was a trip to Winchester.  We arrived at Winchester Cathedral, inside which Jane Austen is interred. The Cathedral was in the process of arranging things for the Jane Austen Memorial service to be held the next day on the 200th anniversary of her death. We left the Cathedral to walk along the path frequented by John Keats during his time here in Winchester. Following this peaceful walk, we arrived at the Hospital of St. Cross and, without touring the grounds, departed back to Nutford House.