Chawton House

Help us conserve one of the treasures of Chawton House: our rare 1746 map of London by John Rocque.

Created just decades after the Great Fire of London, Rocque’s map was revolutionary in its detail and accuracy. Our copy is especially unusual — transformed from 24 separate prints into a spectacular Regency-era folding screen.

But time, light exposure and historic repairs have left it fragile and at risk.

Thanks to generous support, we’ve already raised most of the funds needed for specialist conservation. We now need just £2,000 to complete the project and preserve this extraordinary object for future generations.

This much-loved map is seen by thousands of visitors every year, and conservation will also help us develop new ways to display, interpret and digitally share it.

Donate today and help bring this remarkable piece of London’s literary history back to life:
https://app.donorfy.com/donate/MDEL7CE193/RoqueMapConservationFund

To make the most of the gorgeous weather, our Bank Holiday second-hand book fair is staying up all week at Chawton House, so you can still browse for your next great read until Friday.

Children can enjoy outdoor games and explore our two garden quiz trails:
🐝 The Nature Detectives Trail
🥕 Vegetables & Herbs Trail

The Walled Garden, in full bloom, is looking especially beautiful right now, while the Wilderness offers cool, shady paths that are perfect for exploring during the heatwave, and you can cool off with an iced coffee from the Old Kitchen Tearoom.

All activities are free with Garden entry, so come and enjoy some fresh air, flowers, books and family fun this half term.

Open daily, 10am–4.30pm.

Happy Bank Holiday Sunday!
Come and join us today on the South Lawn, 10am-7pm - books galore, a pop-up museum, plus kids crafts & games, two garden trails (for Garden ticket holders), and a delicious BBQ in the evening sun, 5-7pm.

Fresh for the Bank Holiday weekend, two brand new recipes from the 18th-century Knight family cookbook for you to try. For the bakers, this recipe for Bath Caraway Cakes is one of several variations in the book. Those of you after something slightly more medicinal may enjoy this rather unusual recipe for 'Artificial Asses Milk'. Donkey milk was historically prized for its nutritional value and efficacy in treating ailments like coughs. We suspected this vegetarian recipe would be preferable to 'snail milk'...

We'll be trying these at home - let us know how you get on too!

🎭 Shakespeare is coming to Chawton House!

Join the wonderfully inventive HandleBards on Sunday 7 June for the first event of our Shakespeare Summer: a hilarious outdoor performance of As You Like It, performed by the four-strong troupe who travel the country by bicycle with all their props, costumes and set in tow. 🚲

Expect romance, mistaken identity, wrestling matches and plenty of laughter. Bring a chair or blanket, pack a picnic, and settle in for an unforgettable evening of theatre in the grounds of Chawton House.

📍 Performance: 5pm (doors open 4pm)
🎟 Adult £20.50 | Under 21 £13 | Under 12 £5

Book now: https://chawtonhouse.org/whats-on/outdoor-theatre-the-handlebards-as-you-like-it/

Looking for something to keep little explorers busy this May Half Term? 🌿☀

Join us at for two fun family garden trails:

🐝 The Nature Detectives Trail
🥕 Vegetables & Herbs Quiz

Discover fascinating facts about flowers, insects, plants and wildlife as you explore the Gardens together. Perfect for curious minds and budding gardeners!

Trails are FREE with Garden entry throughout May Half Term.

Come along, enjoy the fresh air, and see what secrets you can uncover in the garden... 🌸

Join us this Bank Holiday Sunday for a relaxed evening BBQ on the South Lawn.

From 5pm–7pm, enjoy burgers, ‘posh’ dogs, plant-based options and corn on the cob, served picnic-style with beautiful views across the parkland. Bring a picnic blanket, gather friends and family, and make the most of the long weekend.

There’s plenty happening during the day too, including a second hand book fair, craft stall and our pop-up museum.

No booking needed — just come along and enjoy!

Join us online on Wednesday 27 May at 7pm BST for the second digital event connected to our new exhibition, HomeMade Histories.

In her talk, Dr Susan Manly explores manuscript evidence in the Chawton House collection that sheds fresh light celebrated Irish author Maria Edgeworth's attitudes to Caribbean slavery. Drawing on letters held at Chawton House, the talk traces Edgeworth’s connections both to figures involved in the slave trade and to leading abolitionists, asking how we reconcile these contradictory loyalties and convictions.

🎟 Tickets: £6: https://chawtonhouse.org/whats-on/online-talk-homemade-histories-maria-edgeworth-jamaica/

Susan Manly is Reader in the School of English at the University of St Andrews and is currently completing a new biography, Maria Edgeworth: A Radical Life.

✨ Last-minute luxury escape at Chawton House ✨

If you’re not signed up to our newsletter, you may have missed a very special offer: discounted stays in our beautiful North Wing Apartment on remaining dates in May and June. For just £150 per night (half price), become Lords and Ladies of the Manor for a few peaceful days in the Hampshire countryside. Wander the gardens at sunset, enjoy starry skies far from the bustle of everyday life, and wake up surrounded by history and tranquillity.

• Open dates: 22-31 May | 1-3 June | 10-15 June | 29&30 June
• Minimum two-night stay
• First come, first served

To book, email [email protected] with your preferred dates. Make our home your home!

Read our latest newsletter: Roses, Regency & Summer at Chawton House - https://mailchi.mp/chawtonhouse/roses-regency-summer-at-chawton-house