Step into Jane Austen's Oxford: Letters, Laughs, and Legacy Unveiled!

A new exhibition called The Austens at Oxford has opened at St John's College Kendrew Barn, showcasing the time Jane Austen and her family spent in Oxford. The exhibition, which runs until 8 December, features a variety of letters, objects, and stories that highlight the Austen family's deep connections to the city and the university. This event is part of a year-long celebration marking Jane Austen's anniversary, and curators believe it is the largest display of Austen artefacts ever held in Oxford. Jane Austen, known for her witty and satirical writing, had many family members who were closely linked to Oxford University. In fact, Jane is a direct descendant of the sister of Sir Thomas White, the founder of St John's College, making her his seven times great niece. Four generations of the Austen family were fellows at St John's College, and Jane herself attended school in Oxford at the age of seven. The college library, with its historic architecture, has changed very little since the Austens' time, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

Dr Timothy Manningmore, one of the exhibition's co-curators, explained that Jane Austen's stay in Oxford was brief and not particularly joyful. He noted that Jane often wrote about Oxford with a satirical and ironic tone, poking fun at the city and its people. Many of the characters in her novels attended Oxford, and their personalities seemed unchanged by their experiences there. Jane's brothers, James and Henry Austen, truly enjoyed their time at Oxford, even though they were not as wealthy as many of their peers. Despite this, they managed to fit in and have a great time. The exhibition includes a panel that illustrates the Austen family tree and their connections to Oxford, helping visitors understand the family's long-standing relationship with the university.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a record of what Jane Austen's father, George, ate in the college hall. The menu included typical dishes like fish, sauce, gooseberry pie, and lemons, but also more unusual items such as tongue and udder, which were popular in the 18th century. Visitors can also see two copies of The Loiterer magazine, which may contain a piece written by Jane Austen herself, describing the gloomy halls and dusty libraries of Oxford. Another special feature of the exhibition is a collection of five rare letters written by Jane Austen. Most of her letters were destroyed after her death because they were often humorous and sometimes insulting, making these surviving letters extremely valuable. The curators describe the letters as a genuine treasure, offering insight into Jane's personality and writing style. The exhibition also includes paintings of Jane Austen and displays of people dressed in Regency-era costumes, adding to the atmosphere of the celebration. Guided tours and other events are being held throughout the year to honor Jane Austen's legacy and her family's history in Oxford.