A Day in the Life of Jane Austen

I spent one of the best days of my entire life in the city of Bath. It was a major highlight for me, and I was as giddy as a little school girl walking in places and doing things that both Jane Austen herself and her heroines in her novels did.  Jane Austen lived in Bath for three years, and it also became the setting for two of her novels, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Other than studying Shakespeare in performance, my chief point of interest has been Jane Austen. I started my research on Bath and Jane Austen before this trip to England, and visiting Bath was definitely the icing on the cake . My research primarily focused on fashion in Bath in the 18th century and Prior Park Landscape Garden, and the significance of each within Jane Austen's novels.  So here's to all you Janeites out there!

"The Pump Room" at the Roman Baths is the setting for many important scenes in Austen's novels. This is where people, in reality and in novels, came to meet new acquaintances and be courted. In the background of this photo is Bath Abbey. 

My friend, Ellie, and I had traditional tea for two in the Pump Room. We could both hardly contain ourselves thinking about how Jane Austen probably stood in that exact spot in the Pump Room at some point in her life. Or imagine being a heroine in one of her novels and your suitor is standing on the balcony (behind us) and trying to catch your eye! It's funny to think that was actually the case 2oo years ago. 

Our traditional Pump Room tea was an experience I'll never forget. The tea consisted of Earl Grey tea, savory tarts, tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, almond cake, eclairs, and creme brulee. The food was amazing and completely gone by the end of our tea!

 

This is one of Bath's most famous buildings, the Royal Crescent. You may recognize from some movies. It's especially important in Persuasion, both the book and movie, because the romantic and happy ending takes place here. 

4 Sydney Place - Jane Austen's home for about three years (1801-1805)! Exciting! It's now part of student housing. Imagine the intellectual pressure that the student who lives there must feel!

This is me at the top of Prior Park, which overlooks Bath. Prior Park was built to see all of Bath and for all of Bath to see it. It just goes to show all the wealth and power there in Bath. Prior Park was home to "the man," Ralph Allen, who made Bath the famous city and resort location it was and still is.

Ralph Allen's old estate at Prior Park

The famous Palladian Bridge in the landscape garden is one of four remaining Palladian bridges in the entire world. 

The Roman Baths were the primary attraction for vacationers and were believed to have healing properties. These baths date back to 67 A.D.!

The Assembly Rooms at Bath were another important social meeting spot. Half of the building now houses the Fashion Museum, which was temporarily showcasing Marilyn Monroe's wardrobe. Bath has been a major textile and fashion hub for England since the Middle Ages. Again, another major highlight, especially for my research.