Unveiling Jane Austen’s Inner Circle with Zoe Wheddon and Julia Wheeler

C﻿alling all curious minds with The Assembly at Heckield Place - a diverse programme of events and cinema built around the core themes of our estate.

Heckfield Place

Join us for an insightful evening with historian Zoe Wheddon and journalist Julia Wheeler as they explore the intimate world of Jane Austen.

‘Unveiling Jane Austen’s Inner Circle with Zoe Wheddon and Julia Wheeler'Join us for an enlightening evening in conversation with local historian and teacher, Zoe Wheddon, and journalist and BBC interviewer, Julia Wheeler, as they delve into the intimate world of Jane Austen. Discover the profound influence of Austen's family and friends in shaping the beloved author we cherish today.In this captivating conversation, they will explore the pivotal roles played by those closest to Jane. Learn about the unwavering support and inspiration provided by her father, George Austen, and her best friend, Martha Lloyd. Through their eyes, gain a deeper understanding of the core of Jane Austen's character and the nurturing environment that fostered her remarkable talent.-Zoe Wheddon was born and grew up in Jane Austen's beloved Hampshire. She has been a secondary school teacher of Spanish and French for 30 years. She lives with her husband Matt and cat Leia, and her three grown up children have all grown and flown. In her free time she enjoys rolling up her sleeves in an archive, or chatting Spanish with locals on her travels. She has a passion for local history and this lead to her passion and curiosity for Jane Austen and her close circle of family and friends.-Julia Wheeler is a writer, journalist and interviewer who worked for the BBC for more than fifteen years, including as the BBC’s Gulf Correspondent based in the UAE and covering the Arabian Peninsula. Julia chairs discussions at literature and science festivals across the UK and internationally. She has moderated events at The British Library, The Royal Geographical Society and mid-Atlantic, onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Julia is a judge for the 2024 Dylan Thomas Prize and Chair of Judges for the Stanfords Travel Book of the Year 2024. She is a trustee of the Stratford Literary Festival. The Programme6:30 PM: Screening Room Bar Opens7:00 PM: Talk7:45 PM: Q &amp; A8:15 PM: ConcludeIf you need to book an accessible seat, please get in touch directly at events@heckfieldplace.com and we'd be delighted to assist.

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