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 annual Newsletters, 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.
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.
It is hoped there will be a display cabinet containing articles of interest connected to the tours. Further details on this
project are available from the following link: Tonbridge Exhibition
For 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
|
