Jane Austen - Bath | gary-cralle

Jane Austen's World

Enter a time capsule of important sites in the life of the celebrated author.
A time for social observation

BATH

Jane's world dramatically changed when her father retired and moved the family to the city of Bath where they lived from 1801 to 1805. Jane loved the village atmosphere of Steventon, so the size and bustling social scene of the renowned spa community were an abrupt contrast. There's continuing speculation as to whether her time was taken up by socializing, editing or writing beyond starting another novel,The Watsons, which was never finished. However, all of her novels mention the city in various ways from her observations made while there. Despite that, not much is known about this period in the writer's life because her sister Cassandra burned most of Jane's letters after her death.

Author Jane Austen's world. Landscape, city of Bath, UK

Bath continues to exude an air of gentility within its beautifully chiselled Georgian structures, the finest in the world. Balls, concerts and theatre were the order of the day in Jane's time. Matchmaking came with it, despite the spa waters likely being a draw for many visitors more interested in health than marriage.

Author Jane Austen's world. Royal Crescent, city of Bath, Somerset, UK

The crowning jewel in the city's architecture is the incomparable Royal Crescent, a sweeping curve of exquisite Palladian limestone residences, No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum and a five-star hotel and spa.

Author Jane Austen's world. Busker relaxing, Bath Abbey, city of Bath, Somerset, Britain

Author Jane Austen's world. Thermae spa pool, city of Bath, Somerset, Britain.

As part of your Bath immersion, which might include an after hours abbey tour or swimming in the Thermae rooftop spa pool, you must visit the Jane Austen Centre to learn about all things Jane. Toast her talent over a relaxing afternoon tea of elegant finger foods in the Centre's Regency Tea Room. Alternatively, you could choose The Pump Room next to the Abbey where Jane herself was a patron. And Charles Dickens was in line before her!

Author Jane Austen's world. Temple of Apollo, Stourhead Garden, Somerset, Britain

The splendid 18th century English landscape-style Stourhead Gardens and House await you less than an hour's drive south of Bath. Here, in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, is where Mr. Darcy fumbles his marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet in the pouring rain at the Temple of Apollo (pictured) in this view from the Pantheon, modelled after that in Rome.

Author Jane Austen's world. 3 ladies wearing period clothing, Stourhead House, Somerset, Britain

While touring Stourhead House I met these ladies who had come from a Jane Austen event in Bath to walk the gardens in their finery — an authentic tribute to English heritage and the arts.