Chawton and Selborne
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
Jane Austen is as popular today as ever and in the small picturesque village of Chawton, two miles south west of Alton in Hampshire (off the A31) you can find out more about the novelist’s life.
For located here is Jane Austen’s House Museum, home to Jane, her mother and sister, Cassandra, from 1809 until 1817. This house is where she wrote and prepared her novels for publication, including Pride & Prejudice and Emma.
The museum tells the story of Jane and her family, and houses an attractive collection including some of her jewellery and examples of her needlework. In the dining room is the table at which Jane wrote.
2011 is the 200th anniversary of the publication of her first novel, Sense & Sensibility. The museum will celebrate with a yearlong programme of events.
A short journey south east of Chawton will take you to Selborne, which, of all the small villages in England, must be the best known throughout the world by anyone who has even a passing interest in natural history or the environment. For it was here that Gilbert White lived and, in 1789, published The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne.
White was one of the first English naturalists who made careful observations of his surroundings and thought about what he saw in a frank, open and unbiased way. The book, one of the most published in the English language, has stimulated successive generation of naturalists.
The pretty garden contains many varieties of plants and herbs common in the late 18th century. There is also a recreated historic kitchen, an old bakehouse, Jane’s donkey carriage and a Learning Centre containing fun interactive displays for all the family to enjoy.
On sale in the museum shop is a wide selection of tasteful souvenirs, as well as a good collection of new and secondhand books, DVDs of film and television adaptations of the novels and CDs of readings and music connected with Jane.
Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection is situated in the centre of the village. The original house dates from the 16th century, and the rooms have been restored following descriptions in White’s own correspondence and include items of his furniture, beautifully embroidered bed hangings and family portraits. The original manuscript of The Natural History of Selborne is also on display.
It is set in 25 acres of magnificent restored gardens and parkland beneath the magnificent beech clad Selborne hanger. Features of the garden include ‘Six Quarters’, the kitchen garden and the Ha-has as well as the ‘Wine Pipe’ seat and a delightful replica of White’s unique statue of Hercules.
Also housed here are the Oates Galleries dedicated to Captain Lawrence Oates, who travelled the epic journey of discovery to the South Pole in 1911-12 with Captain Scott, known for the famous line “I am just going outside and may be some time”, and his uncle, Frank Oates, a 19th century explorer of Africa and the Americas. Marvel at his fabulous collection of birds, animals and African weapons.
Gilbert White’s House
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The award-winning Tea Parlour (one of only two establishments to be awarded The Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence) and the well-stocked Gift Shop are free to enter and a visit to both will enhance any day out.
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