Securing Jane Austen’s Literary Landscape for the Nation

A walk around Jane Austen’s village

𝗔𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗣 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘄𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲:

Dear Sir Keir,

As part of the Community Planning Alliance Day of Action today, Saturday 18th April, we enclose our photo of the precious rural dry valley in the Parish of Chawton, Hampshire, that is surrounded by SINCs and Ancient Woodland and is at risk of a 1100 house development. An Outline Planning Application is expected later this year.

We ask you to row back on the doubling of the housing numbers in our predominantly rural area of East Hampshire 57% of which is protected by the South Downs National Park meaning our total numbers have to be squeezed into 43% of the district land area of which only 30% is available for building due to other protections (Wealden Heaths).

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝘆:
"Our green spaces are under unprecedented pressure with Keir Starmer’s deregulation agenda. This day of action shows that communities everywhere are ready to stand up for the unnecessary destruction of places that matter to them - for wildlife, for countryside, for food, and for future generations. It is time for politicians to see how much they matter to voters. We urge people to join us to say ‘hands off’ and to vote for nature in the local elections."
Rosie Pearson, Chairman, the Community Planning Alliance (CPA Events Calendar - Community Planning Alliance).
“There is overwhelming evidence about the value of nature and green space to people's physical and mental wellbeing, as well as to a thriving economy. Yet time and time again we see politicians of all parties deride its importance to our communities. This Day of Action is an opportunity to bring people together in activities to celebrate and protect what we have and demonstrate to decision-makers why we look to them to protect and improve it.”
Sally Hayns, Chief Executive Officer, The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)

'People's access to nature has never been more important for their health and well-being, but also never been more under threat - from lack of effective protection and adequate resources to be properly maintained. It's no wonder that thousands of local groups have sprung up in the last 25 years to help champion, maintain and protect the green spaces they love. We call on candidates and parties standing for election in all tiers of Government to publicly commit to ensuing all such spaces will be valued and safeguarded for generations to come.'
Dave Morris - Chair, National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces.

“Badgers are still among the most persecuted native wild animals, and the new planning and infrastructure bill now puts their hard-won protection at risk. That is why Badger Trust is joining a wide range of wildlife, nature, and community groups for a National Day of Action on 18 April. Together, we want to show MPs, Councillors and candidates that protecting nature and wildlife matters to voters ahead of next month's elections.”
Nigel Palmer, The Badger Trust

“Despite months of negative rhetoric about our wildlife, the truth is that nature continues to inspire, sustain, and unite us. We want communities to come together in a Day of Action to show local and national decision makers that nature matters.”
Kit Stoner, Chief Executive, Bat Conservation Trust

"Across the country, communities are alarmed about the ongoing loss of nature. Places we once thought sacred are being opened up to developers. The protections we fought for to safeguard our most precious green spaces are now at risk through Government reform and deregulation. That's why it’s so important to show Government that our woods and green spaces matter to everyone."
Juli Titherington, Lead Policy Advocate – Planning, The Woodland Trust


East Hampshire District Council Alton Climate Action Network Alton Herald Alton Town Council Badger Trust The Woodland Trust Wey Valley Radio Bat Conservation Trust Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management - CIEEM CPRE Hampshire The Alton Society Save Austen Country Damian Hinds

The team at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton has been shortlisted for a Museums + Heritage Award following a year of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of her birth.

We’ve been expecting this , still sad to see it 😓

Jane Austen’s cottage in earlier times . Apart from the absence of the village pond the village itself has remained remarkably unchanged and Jane would still recognise it as it is today

A wonderful walk yesterday at Chawton park farm . Jane Austen knew Farmer Andrew’s who lived in this listed farmhouse . This wonderful parkland is at risk from 1100 homes here . I wonder what Jane would have felt , I’m certain she would have been appalled !

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ByJoZAB7H/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Please support this historic farmland is under threat again

Say NO to 1100 Houses on Chawton Park Farm, Alton We are a small group of volunteers supported by the Alton Society who have had to resurrect this campaign given Harrow Estates' plan to build 1100 houses on Chawton Park Farm that they are now pushing ahead with. https://bit.ly/CPFPetition

Boxing Day in Jane Austen's Time

Happy Boxing Day!

While we're enjoying leftover turkey and a well-deserved rest today, Boxing Day in Jane Austen's era looked quite different.

December 26th was traditionally the day when families of the gentry would give "Christmas boxes" - gifts of money, food, or goods - to their household servants and tradespeople. These weren't wrapped presents as we think of them today, but practical tokens of appreciation for a year's service.

Servants who had worked through Christmas Day (ensuring their employers enjoyed their celebrations) would finally have this day off to visit their own families. The "boxes" they received helped them celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

For families like Edward Austen Knight's, my fourth great grandfather, it was also a day for charitable giving to the poor of the parish - continuing the Christmas spirit of generosity beyond their own household.

Jane would have witnessed these traditions both at her brother Edward's estates and participated in more modest gift-giving at Steventon Rectory and Chawton Cottage.

How are you spending your Boxing Day?

Image Robert Seymour, Boxing Day (1836), courtesy of the Jane Austen Centre website.

A Christmas Day with Jane Austen in Chawton
Imagined !

Jane Austen begins Christmas morning quietly at Chawton Cottage, writing a few lines at her small table before breakfast with her mother and sister, Cassandra. After dressing warmly, they walk to the nearby church for the Christmas service, greeting neighbours along the frosty lane.
Back home, the family gathers for a modest but cheerful Christmas dinner—roast goose or turkey, vegetables, mince pies and plum pudding. Conversation is lively and affectionate.
The afternoon brings visits from neighbours and small acts of charity, such as sharing food with poorer villagers. The cottage feels cosy with greenery, good firelight, and the gentle bustle of callers.
As dusk falls, the Austens play parlour games, enjoy a little music, and read aloud by candlelight. The atmosphere is warm and peaceful, focused on family and simple pleasures.
At night, Jane and Cassandra talk softly before bed, ending the holiday in quiet contentment.