Chawton House Library

With over 400 years of history, Chawton House is a fascinating blend of architectural styles and features. Among the many owners to have made their mark is Jane Austen's brother, who was adopted in the 18th century by the childless Thomas and Catherine Knight and who succeeded as Edward Austen-Knight in 1797. In 1809, he offered a house in Chawton village to his mother and two sisters, Cassandra and Jane, and it was there, now the Jane Austen's House Museum, Where Jane began the most prolific period of her writing life.

The estate remained in the Knight family until the 1990's when it was sold on a long lease to the newly-formed charity, Chawton House Library, so that it could be fully and meticulously restored. A unique organisation, the charity has a rare collection of women's writing from 1600 - 1830 and offers readers the chance to experience these text in the inspiring setting of Chawton House, which brings their context to life, and features paintings of some of the authors. As well as promoting women's writing, the charity preserves the house and manages the estate using traditional farming methods.

Opening Times

2008 1 Jan 2008

* House: Open every Tuesday and Thursday - Tours from 2.30pm
Garden: Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm Self Guided

Tickets Information

Road Directions

Located in the village of Chawton, near Alton, in 275 acres of beautiful Hampshire Countryside, close to St Nicholas Church
From M25 Junction 10, A3 Guildford bypass, A31 Farnham and Alton bypass
Turn off left at A31/32 junction roundabout to Chawton
From M25 Junction 12, M3 to Junction 5, B3349 to Odiham and Alton, follow signs to Chawton

 Facilities

Provider Preferences

• In countryside
• No Smoking Attraction

Accessibility

• Disabled Parking
• Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
• Ramp/Level Access
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Parking & Transport

• On site parking

Payment Methods

• Maestro Accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Visa accepted

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Compulsory for Groups
• Guided Tours Compulsory for Individuals