‘August’ rolls in with heatwaves and thunderstorms. We accompany Jane and her mother on a visit to Stoneleigh Abbey, Jane sends a wedding gift of handkerchiefs to a friend, and she enjoys cheese on toast for supper. August is also the month of the 'insufferably hot' visit to Sotherton in Mansfield Park, whilst in Persuasion it is Anne Elliot's birthday. We finish with Jane's advice to her niece Anna, who was following in her aunt's footsteps and writing a novel of her own.

A Jane Austen Year transports you to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, the idyllic Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen lived and wrote her globally beloved novels – now a beloved museum.

Each month, join us on a seasonal journey through Jane Austen’s novels, the story of her life and the world she lived in. Discover scenes, letters, recipes, and objects from the museum collection, bound together with readings and sounds recorded in the House itself.

Each episode is recorded by the people who work at Jane Austen’s House, caring for this special place and protecting it for future generations.

‘August’ was voiced by: Lizzie Dunford, Jenny Durrant, Amelia Harvell, Jessica Halmshaw, Julia McLeod, Sophie Reynolds and Rebecca Wood, with a guest appearance by Dominic Gerrard.

Find out more about some of the objects featured in this episode:
Cassandra's handkerchief
Verses to Catherine Bigg, 26 August 1808
Martha Lloyd's Household Book

Episode website
https://janeaustens.house/news/podcast/

Script: Sophie Reynolds
Cover Artwork:Jessica Halmshaw
Sound & Original Music: Dominic Gerrard

This series was written and recorded at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday in 2025.

If you enjoyed it, we think you’d also love our new book A Jane Austen Year – a gorgeous coffee table book full of pictures, extracts and stories.

Every purchase supports our work, caring for and preserving Jane Austen’s House for future generations.

This series was written and recorded at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday in 2025.

If you enjoyed it, we think you’d also love our book A Jane Austen Year – a gorgeous coffee table book full of pictures, extracts and stories.

Every purchase supports our work, caring for and preserving Jane Austen’s House for future generations.