| The Branch was established at the end of 1993 on the initiative of, amongst others,
the late Mr Alwyn Austen. Its patron is Lady FitzWalter of Goodnestone Park, near Wingham,
and its president is Fiona Sunley.
Goodnestone was the home of Jane's sister-in-law Elizabeth Bridges. We are fortunate
in being able to hold meetings there, by kind permission of Lady FitzWalter, and also at
Godmersham Park near Ashford, by kind permission of ABDO. Godmersham was inherited by
Jane's brother Edward from the childless Knights. Jane and Cassandra were frequent visitors
to both houses, and Jane worked on several of her novels while staying at Godmersham.
She drew on her experiences in Kent for her descriptions of her fictional grand houses.
When the Reverend George Austen died, Edward offered a choice of houses to his mother and
sisters. One was in Wye, and the other was Chawton Cottage.
The Austen family originated in the Horsmonden area, and the Reverend George Austen was
born in Tonbridge, attended Tonbridge School, and returned for a time as a master. His
widowed and penniless grandmother, Elizabeth Weller, showed great resourcefulness in
taking up a place as a matron and housekeeper at Sevenoaks School to ensure that all
her sons received a good education.
Jane's brother Edward was adopted by the Knight family as a child and grew up on
Godmersham Park Estate. He inherited Godmersham Park and with his wife Elizabeth, made
it his family home. Jane was a frequent visitor to Edward's home and the inspirational
surroundings and social environment it had to offer. She was particularly fond of Edward
and Elizabeth's eldest daughter, her much loved niece Fanny with whom she exchanged
intimate correspondence. Copies of some of Jane's letters to Fanny are on display at
The Godmersham Park Heritage Centre, along with other interesting treasures which have
been collected and conserved for the Parishes of Godmersham and Crundale, which the
Centre has been established to serve. (Visits to the Heritage Centre can be made by
arrangement with the Administrator as follows:
Anita Robson tel: 01227 732272
Email: heritagecentre@btconnect.com)
The Kent Branch has a varied programme of events which includes talks and lectures, visits
and a summer 'period' entertainment, with music, dancing or drama. There is an annual
lunch or dinner in November, and a lively Discussion Group which meets twice a year.
Members receive three Newsletters during the year, and also a free copy of the Branch's own
publication, Austentations, a varied collection of articles by our speakers
and Branch members. New members are assured of a friendly welcome.
A number of our members also actively contribute to various other Jane Austen related events in Kent
separate from those organised by the Kent Branch. Further details of these are provided via the
Member activities link on the left of the screen.
Jane's birthday was celebrated on the 16 December in Tonbridge Church by more than 90 people.
The Church of St Peter and St Paul is the venue in which Jane's grandparents are buried,
where her father worshipped as he grew up and where there are memorials to family and friends
of the Austens. An illuminating and entertaining talk entitled 'To Begin at the Beginning: the Openings of
Jane Austen's Novels' was given by Professor Michael Wheeler who contrasted the wordy and often boring
introductions of some 18th and 19th century novels with Jane Austen's careful and succinct openings.
We read more quickly as we reach the end of a novel, and we should read the openings more slowly.
Professor Wheeler took us through the openings of the six novels, pointing out their intimations of
troubles and conflicts yet to come, often preceded by the word 'but'. After such a delightful
intellectual treat came an equally enjoyable tea, with delicious cakes baked by Vivian Branson,
who organised the event. The speaker at the 2012 Birthday Celebration will be Professor Malcolm Andrews on 'Jane Austen
and the Picturesque'.
Finally, a very generous grant from JASNA has enabled the parish church of Tonbridge to
develop a project on the connections of Jane Austen with the town. Jane Austen Society
members are involved with the project which comprises a guide for a walk around the Jane
connections in Tonbridge, and a guidebook and audio-tour of the memorials in the church of
St Peter and St Paul. (For full details, select the Tonbridge Walk link
on the left of the screen.)
It is hoped there will be a display cabinet containing articles of interest connected to the tours.
(A first anniversary event was also held in October last year.)
Further details on this project are available from the following link:
Tonbridge Exhibition
For further information about the Branch, please contact the Hon. Secretary:
Jill Webster
Rising Sun Cottage
Church Street
Shoreham
Kent TN14 7SD
E-mail: kent@jasoc.org.uk
| |
