We spent an enjoyable afternoon visiting sites associated with Jane Austen. Following the Sitting with Jane Bookbench trail.
MissJean FeralCatsRMyLife
+JMJ. A disclaimer. This review was initially submitted as a new posting by myself. When I traveled to the UK in 1984, I visited this Church. I have lots and lots and lots of photos and every single one is labeled with St John's Church. However, since I had recently started posting to Google Maps, not finding a St John's in Steventon, I submitted a missing place to be added to Google Maps. And, after their review, they approved its addition. However, after seeing the name St Nicholas associated with the Church where Jane's Austen's father was the vicar, I searched and found that the web-site features photos of the Church, the same as those I took when I visited May 1984. Thereafter, sent e-mail inquiring whether or not there was a name change. Since no one at the Church could recall the name being anything but St Nicholas, I had to conclude that I somehow was mistaken about the Church's name. It's a crazy mystery to me because I am usually fastidious about recording details like that. OK...so here is the review initially submitted: A most excellent Church to visit for at least two reasons: 1) House of Worship and Prayer; and 2) This is the Church where Jane Austen, my all time favorite author in the entire world!!! worshiped and it was the Church where her father, Reverend George Austen, was the vicar!! I photographed practically every space in and around this Church!! Absolutely enthralled to pay a visit to a place where the young lady who wrote such captivating books spent time in worship and prayer. And, of course, my all time favorite of her books is "Pride and Prejudice." Way back in the 1970s I read P&P. And, from that time, read the book annually until mid 1980s, collected any copy of the book I found, and collected all movie renditions, up to the BBC (Colin Firth) version. My goodness! I may have to bring out my Masterpiece Theatre version (with David Rintoul as Mr Darcy) to do a marathon viewing! Anyway, I am hoping I have the right address. If not, will find it and repost photos that are going to be posted here. Thank you Google Maps for allowing me to travel down this memory lane! Praise God for this opportunity!
Hampshire One
A must for Jane Austen fans, a real sense of history, so little has changed around here. The Austen family graves can be viewed in the churchyard. Oh yes, and did I mention the church interior is very pleasant!
Budgie Boy
The sat nav comes in handy, as it’s really hidden away. Because of this, it’s really quiet and peaceful. Worth seeking out.
Helena Alston
Walked there, 1 hour, and worth it. You just sense Jane Austen here. If it is open, it is so beautiful inside. Otherwise, bring coffee and cake and sit on the bench in the church yard and take it all in. Always peaceful and quiet.
Helena alston
Love to visit on our walks. Feel the presence of Jane Austen☺️
Helen taylor
Beautiful little Norman church, that had its first recorded existence dated in 1238. Most well known for being the church where Jane Austen was baptised, and spent the first 25yrs of her life. Her father and two of her brothers were Rectors here, in fact the Austen family have the longest history of Rectors serving at the church, from 1759-1873 which is a 114yrs.
Alison Peters2 years ago
So much character and amazing to think Jane Austen's father was the vicar! Worth a visit 😀
