Jane Austen Part 3 | gary-cralle

Jane Austen's World

Enter a time capsule of important sites in the life of the celebrated author.
PART 3

Author Jane Austen heritage trail. Westquay Southampton, Portsmouth, Britain

Jane lived in Portsmouth from 1806 to 1809. She wouldn't recognize the post- World War II city rebuilt after heavy bombing during the Blitz. If arriving by car today she would enter a multi-story car park before retracing her steps on a walkable Heritage Trail in the city centre. Unfortunately, locations associated with Jane are marked mostly by plaques without the buildings. The Bargate (below) is a notable exception, with an inscription marking Jane's first visit in 1793 when she celebrated her 18th birthday.

The Bargate, author Jane Austen heritage trail, Portsmouth, Hampshire, Britain

Medieval city wall and shopping centre, Jane Austen heritage trail, Portsmouth, Hampshire, Britain

Medieval city walls remain largely intact as they intermingle with retail structures. As home to the Royal Navy, Portsmouth was one of the world's most fortified cities during Jane's time. The D-Day Story describes more modern events surrounding the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944.

Author Jane Austen heritage, HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, Britain

The Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has a direct connection with Jane through her elder brother Francis and younger Charles who both became officers in the Royal Navy. Francis rose to the highest rank as Admiral of the Fleet, having an extraordinary career of successful battles primarily against Napoleonic and Revolutionary French forces. Jane lived with Charles and his wife while in Portsmouth, and Francis helped her with naval terminology applied to the novels Mansfield Park and Persuasion.

Author Jane Austen heritage, battle of Trafalgar panoramic painting, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, Britain

Although neither Francis nor Charles were at the Battle of Trafalgar which signalled British naval victory in 1805 over French and Spanish forces, the persistent military conflicts had an influence on Jane, resulting in 2 navel-themed novels. This 3-part panorama of Trafalgar (painted by marine artist William Wylie with help from his daughter Aileen is proudly displayed as one of many Dockyard exhibits related to that era

Author Jane Austen heritage, HMS Victory restoration, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, Britain

Admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship Victory is currently undergoing complete refurbishment at the Dockyards while tours continue. Also on display is Henry VIII's favourite ship, the Mary Rose, raised from the depths in 1982 and preserved as a Tudor time bubble. Speaking of time and bubbles, it was 10 minutes to closing when I pleaded for entry to the museum storing the ship, but no luck.

Author Jane Austen's world, Admiral Nelson portrait, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, Britain

Author Jane Austen heritage, marker for site of Nelson's death, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, Britain

A small tablet marks the spot where Nelson died on the deck of HMS Victory from a gunshot wound after issuing the order to "engage the enemy more closely." Being able to literally stand on deck where history happened is one of those exhilarating life experiences made possible only through travelling and being there.

Author Jane Austen heritage, model of royal barge and ship figureheads, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, Britain

Jane immersed herself in researching naval life, with her characters revealing both positive and negative aspects of the service. Anne, in the novel Persuasion says "The navy, I think, who have done so much for us, have at least an equal claim with any other set of men, for all the comforts and all the privileges which any home can give. Sailors work hard enough for their comforts, we must all allow."

On the other hand, Sir Walter Elliot's comment about sailors' appearance is hardly flattering: "they are all knocked about, and exposed to every climate, and every weather, till they are not fit to be seen."