A Jane Austen Year
A Jane Austen Year
Podcast Description
Welcome to A Jane Austen Year – a seasonal journey through Jane Austen’s novels, the story of her life and the world she lived in.Created and recorded at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire – the most treasured Austen site in the world.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes surrounding Jane Austen’s novels, her life, and the historical context of her work. Episodes highlight specific objects from the museum, letters, and recipes while exploring topics like societal norms of the Regency era, with examples such as marriage proposals and stage costumes featured in the February episode.
Welcome to A Jane Austen Year – a seasonal journey through Jane Austen’s novels, the story of her life and the world she lived in.
Created and recorded at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire – the most treasured Austen site in the world.
‘November’ is the twilight of the year, the days short and cold, the air full of frost and woodsmoke. It is a time for lighting fires and wrapping up in woollen shawls and flannel waistcoats. It is also a time for sparkling candlelight, and we enjoy a night of revelry at the Netherfield Ball, complete with White Soup and delicate silk dancing slippers. There is also piano practice, a crisp winter walk, and a visit to Castle Square in Southampton. Jane writes to her niece Anna from London, discussing her busy schedule and a recent visit to the theatre.
~
A Jane Austen Year transports you to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, the idyllic Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen lived and wrote her globally beloved novels – now a beloved museum.
Each month, join us on a seasonal journey through Jane Austen’s novels, the story of her life and the world she lived in. Discover scenes, letters, recipes, and objects from the museum collection, bound together with readings and sounds recorded in the House itself.
Each episode is recorded by the people who work at Jane Austen’s House, caring for this special place and protecting it for future generations.
‘April’ was voiced by: Lizzie Dunford, Jenny Durrant, Jessica Halmshaw, Julia McLeod, Emma Moffatt, Sophie Reynolds, Rebecca Wood, with a guest appearance by Dominic Gerrard.
Find out more about some of the objects featured in this episode:
Clementi square piano
Letter from Jane Austen to Anna Lefroy, 29 November 1814
Martha Lloyd's Household Book
Marianne Knight's dancing slippers
Episode website
https://janeaustens.house/news/podcast/
Script: Sophie Reynolds
Cover Artwork:Jessica Halmshaw
Sound & Original Music: Dominic Gerrard
This series was written and recorded at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday in 2025.
If you enjoyed it, we think you’d also love our new book A Jane Austen Year – a gorgeous coffee table book full of pictures, extracts and stories.
Every purchase supports our work, caring for and preserving Jane Austen’s House for future generations.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.