Appeal launched to save iconic author Jane Austen's former Hampshire home

AN appeal has been launched to save the former Hampshire home of acclaimed period author Jane Austen.
Pictured: Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire.   
 
An appeal has been launched to save the former Chawton home of acclaimed author, Jane Austen.

© Solent News & Photo AgencyPictured: Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire.   
 
An appeal has been launched to save the former Chawton home of acclaimed author, Jane Austen.

© Solent News & Photo Agency
Pictured: Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire. An appeal has been launched to save the former Chawton home of acclaimed author, Jane Austen. © Solent News & Photo Agency

The author of classic tales including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility lived with her family in the village of Chawton. Unfortunately the house in which she penned many of her novels is suffering from rain damage due to leaks the roof.

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The novelist lived in the house until her death in 1817 and the property is now a museum to help chronicle her life and works. The museum are concerned the leaks could lead to artefacts being damaged by damp and have appealed for help to save the house.

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Museum director Lizzie Dunford said: ‘The roof slightly unstable so we're seeing the impact of climate change with hotter summers and wetter winters meaning the building is expanding and contracting and as it does, the tiles start to slip.

‘It's one of the most important roofs in all of English literature.

‘Under this roof Jane Austen lived when she wrote and revised the novels which are so beloved today. We have an astonishing collection and she is so important to people emotionally - it is vital to protect it.

‘Damp is deadly for historic collections.’

The museum has already received donations of £77,000 from fans from all over the world to help save the the property from further damage. Click here if you would like to donate to the museum’s cause.

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