In 2025, Hampshire Cultural Trust is celebrating this landmark anniversary with exhibitions, events and activities around the county.
Known for proudly reminding people that she was “a Hampshire born Austen”, Jane was born in the village of Steventon in the north of Hampshire, a county where she spent most of her life. Hampshire was not only her birthplace, but its people and the society in which she moved provided inspiration for many of her novels, classics such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility.
26 July 2025 - 2 November 2025
Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen's Novels
At The Gallery in The Arc in Winchester and the Willis Museum in Basingstoke, the exhibition Beyond the Bonnets gives a voice to those who were overlooked by many but not neglected in Austen’s novels: working women.
Jane herself was a working woman, and this unique exhibition, which has been specially created for her landmark anniversary year, explores the untold stories not only of working women in her novels, but those of real-life women from Regency Hampshire, whose lives mirrored her fictional characters.
Through Austen’s works and her letters, historic objects and an absorbing, immersive soundscape, encounter women in domestic service – so frequently footnotes in the narrative - or those who owned and ran their own business. Compelling, heartwarming and emotive, Beyond the Bonnets reveals the unexpected and often precarious lives of working women at the time of Jane Austen.
26 July 2025
Regency Fashion Show
A unique and exciting event, Hampshire Cultural Trust is delighted to be holding a fashion show of Regency clothing at the incredible Great Hall, in collaboration with Laughing with Lizzie and our partners at Hampshire Wardrobe, with costumes inspired by the characters of Jane Austen’s novels.
With models wearing Regency garments displayed on the runway, plus demonstrations of all the many layers of clothing for both day and evening wear, plus talks from experts on the subject and a chance to see Jane Austen's pelisse - her stunning and oh-so-petite overcoat, which we are so proud to hold in our collection - this event promises to be extraordinary and a once in a lifetime experience.
16 August 2025
Regency Ball
Winchester’s Great Hall will provide a majestic backdrop for a Regency Ball. The event promises an enchanting evening of dance, drinks and delicious food, as well as live music of the era from Caperbility, dance cards and a silhouettist for an authentic Regency feel.
The ball is suitable for everyone - beginners and more experienced dancers welcome! A caller will announce the dances and instruct you, with her assistants to help you too.
Hampshire Cultural Trust are also delighted to offer ticket holders a special 15% discount at Hampshire Wardrobe so you can really dress the part. Whilst you don't have to dress up, it is certainly welcomed and definitely encouraged! So feel free to adorn your finery and dance the night away like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy!
Your ticket includes a delicious 3 course buffet including some Regency-inspired dishes, a welcome drink on arrival, your hand cut silhouette.
All of 2025
City Museum
City Museum, just a short walk from Jane’s final resting place in Winchester Cathedral, will be hosting a summer of Austen themed events and activities. There are only a handful of items that survive today that actually belonged to Jane, and at City Museum visitors will also be able to see three of her personal possessions – two purses and her personalised ivory spool case.
The items were purchased into the collection from Jane Austen’s descendant Edith Stokes. R.W Chapman, who acted as an intermediary between the museum and Jane’s great niece was able to retrieve the spool case and two purses for the Winchester City Council collection which is now cared for today by Hampshire Cultural Trust.
Did you know you can enjoy 12 months of access to four attractions in the heart of Winchester - The Great Hall, Westgate Museum, 878 AD and City Museum with the Super Explorer ticket?
