There have been many famous residents of Bath, but perhaps the most famous (and by far my favourite) is the novelist Jane Austen. While only two of her novels actually take place in Bath (Persuasion and Northanger Abbey), she spent a great deal of her life in this beautiful city.
2017 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, so in her honour, the city is in celebration of this great author and the wit and wisdom found in her novels.
One of the biggest events is The Jane Austen Festival that runs from 8th through 17th September/17. Here’s more about this fabulous celebration from The Visit Bath website:
“We expect nearly 4000 people to attend over 80 events, opening with our world-record setting Regency Costumed Promenade.
We have a huge range of events for film fans and book buffs alike, including workshops, dances, balls, readings, talks, concerts and theatricals.
Our theme book for this year is Northanger Abbey (first published in December 1817 and set in our very own city of Bath), so expect a touch of the gothic about the Festival this year! We have Northanger Abbey themed tours, a theatrical production and will be reading through the book every day in Bath Central Library.
Lizzy Bennet loved walking and there are plenty of walking tours – both serious and scandalous – that allow everyone to enjoy Bath’s beautiful architecture and scenery while celebrating all things Austen.
For those who love to dress up there will be plenty of opportunities to wear gorgeous costumes around the city with our costumed Promenades, a country-dance at Bath’s Guildhall on the first weekend of the Festival, and our famous masked ball held in the Roman Baths and the Pump Rooms on the final Friday of the Festival.
With more events than ever before, and on such an important bicentenary year, make 2017 the year you come to Bath for the Jane Austen Festival!”
The Jane Austen Centre is a must for all fans of Jane (and Mr. Darcy!). Dress up in bonnets and shawls, listen to and chat with costumed guides and discover more of Jane’s experience in the city between 1801 and 1806, and the effect that living here had on her work. Here you will also find the Regency Tea Room. Located immediately above the exhibition, the comfortable rooms provide the perfect backdrop to an Austen-themed trip to Bath. The staff are dressed in full regency regalia, allowing you to step back in time as you enjoy a delightful range of loose leaf teas, coffees, sandwiches, snacks and sweets. During the busy summer season be sure to book ahead.
If a photography tour is more your thing, why not join the Jane Austen Photo Tour which takes you around Bath to all of the must see Jane Austen spots. A great way to discover this wonderful city too!
It is impossible to wander around Bath in all its Regency splendour and not think of what it must have been like to promenade along the streets on the arm of a handsome gentleman…with a chaperone at your side, of course!
For a bit of Jane Austen fun check this out (below)!
Free Jane Austen App – get a daily quote
A witty Jane Austen quote delivered daily to your device at a time you choose.
Get a different quote every day at a time that suits you – at lunch, during a break or last thing at night! We’re sure it will bring a smile to the dullest day.
The app is loaded with lots of other Austen goodies including free articles from the Jane Austen Centre online magazine as well as access to the Online Giftshop and Centre news.
It’s been a while in development but it’s here now and we’re sure that you’ll love it.
‘I do not want people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of liking them a great deal.’ Jane Austen.
You can get the Jane Austen Quote app for Apple and Android devices from iTunes or Google Play;
Go to Apple itunes and search ‘Jane Austen Daily Quote
Go to Google Playstore and search ‘Jane Austen Daily Quote’
And best of all it’s completely free!