Henry Austen, Jane Austen’s favourite brother, was born into a large and lively clergy family in Hampshire. Of her seven siblings, Henry most shared Jane’s mischievous wit and facility with words and his support enabled the publication of her novels.
Henry’s own life was much more incident-packed than his sister’s. By turns he was an academic, magazine editor, soldier, financier and banker, bankrupt, and finally, clergyman. His career hit the heights of Regency society, becoming linked with the Prince Regent’s set, before plummeting to the social disgrace and economic disaster of bankruptcy. Many of his activities hovered on the brink of illegality and his marriage to the enigmatic French countess, Eliza de Feuillide, also raised questions and eyebrows. Nevertheless, his kindness, charm and his loyalty to Jane never wavered. He ensured her burial in Winchester Cathedral, and he ended his days as a hard-working curate in a Surrey market town and in Hampshire villages.
His life sheds a fascinating light on the vagaries of early nineteenth century society and this new and important study examines both his relationships within the Austen family and the many social milieux in which he worked, which, through his recounting of his experiences, may have provided inspiration for some of Jane’s plots and characters. As Jane herself wrote to Cassandra, 'Oh, what a Henry!'
Key information about booking:
- The event will start at 7.30pm
- Please purchase a ticket for each person attending
- Tickets £5 per person.
- Refreshments provided.
- Booking is essential, so be quick to avoid disappointment.
- Please arrive 10 minutes early.
- Books will be available to purchase after the event.
If you have any additional needs or require any special assistance, please let us know prior to the event by contacting library.events@surreycc.gov.uk (this inbox is managed Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
If you are not able to or do not wish to provide us with any contact details (landline or mobile number and email address) you won’t be able to purchase a ticket online. Please visit the library that is hosting the event to purchase a ticket in person.
