North Waltham, Steventon, Ashe & Deane History Society (From Basingstoke Gazette)
When news happens, text BAZ and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
North Waltham, Steventon, Ashe & Deane History Society
11:41am Tuesday 12th April 2011 in Reports By Richard Garfield
A THOUSAND years of history and only one change of owner – that’s Chawton House, built by the Knights after they bought Chawton estate some 500 years ago.
It was leased by an American lady who wanted her collection of early female writings to return to England and be freely available to researchers.
After an enlightening introduction, Sarah Parry, education officer at Chawton House, used her pictures to guide members around the mansion.
There were anecdotes and quotes from Jane Austen herself, whose brother, Edward, inherited the house in 1794, which brought its history alive.
Now that the house is a literary researcher’s dream, attention is being paid to its 75 acres of grounds. To visit, go to www.chawton.org.
The group’s next meeting is on Thursday, April 28, at 8pm at North Waltham School, when Andrew Rutter will describe the “Challenges of a Winchester conservation officer.”
The meeting on Thursday, May 26, at 8pm in North Waltham School Hall will see the school’s website be used to tell “A history of maps” with help from Bob Clarke.
