Jane Austen's Tonbridge Connections

The Austens' connection to Tonbridge begins in the early seventeenth century. Come and experience the walk 'In Austen Family Footsteps' where you will learn about the Austen connections with Tonbridge Castle. You will see Jane's great-grandmother's childhood home, the homes of her great-uncle and her great-aunt, and Tonbridge School where her father studied and was a master. Pay a visit to the Church of St Peter and St Paul where Jane's grandparents are buried, and where there are many monuments to people the Austens knew. You will see an exhibition in the Church of Tunbridge Ware, burial and birth registers in which the Austens are mentioned, as well as a silhouette and memorial to Henry Harpur who was vicar here from 1756-90, and JMW Turner's uncle. Jane Austen and JMW Turner were both born in 1775.

Margaret Wilson, local author and Jane Austen authority, has written Jane Austen's Family and Tonbridge (a JAS publication) which gives detailed information on Tonbridge and the wider Kent connections.

There is an audio guide of the church memorials, read by Louise Jameson.

The Austen's Tonbridge Connections have been generously supported by JASNA, JAS and JAS(Kent).

Example of early Tunbridge Ware