‘November’ is the twilight of the year, the days short and cold, the air full of frost and woodsmoke. It is a time for lighting fires and wrapping up in woollen shawls and flannel waistcoats. It is also a time for sparkling candlelight, and we enjoy a night of revelry at the Netherfield Ball, complete with White Soup and delicate silk dancing slippers. There is also piano practice, a crisp winter walk, and a visit to Castle Square in Southampton. Jane writes to her niece Anna from London, discussing her busy schedule and a recent visit to the theatre.

~

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.

‘April’ was voiced by: Lizzie Dunford, Jenny Durrant, Jessica Halmshaw, Julia McLeod, Emma Moffatt, Sophie Reynolds, Rebecca Wood, with a guest appearance by Dominic Gerrard.

Find out more about some of the objects featured in this episode:
Clementi square piano
Letter from Jane Austen to Anna Lefroy, 29 November 1814
Martha Lloyd's Household Book
Marianne Knight's dancing slippers

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.