Jane Austen was a pioneer in crafting characters that felt real—flawed, charming, and sometimes exasperatingly human. Before her, novels tended to deal in absolutes: heroes were noble and virtuous, villains unmistakably wicked. But Austen blurred these lines, giving us people who mean well but make mistakes, who scheme but somehow remain likable, who are neither entirely good nor irredeemably bad—just delightfully complicated.
And how do we get to know them so well? Through their own words. Austen’s novels rely on dialogue more than description, allowing her characters to reveal themselves naturally. In an era when novelists often spelled everything out, she let her characters do the talking—quite literally. The effect is almost theatrical, as if we’re eavesdropping on real conversations rather than reading a book.
Jane Austen’s world may seem distant, wrapped in Regency-era formality, but her characters remain instantly recognisable—who hasn’t met a pompous Mr Collins or a reckless Lydia Bennet? Beneath her elegant prose lies a razor-sharp wit, masterfully satirising social pretensions and literary trends of her time. Her comedy thrives on the self-important and the cluelessly ridiculous, proving, as Mr Bennet wryly observes, that we live “to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn.”
And therefore, even 250 years on, Austen’s world still feels familiar—because people, at their core, haven’t changed much at all.
Jane Austen & Reading’s Shared History
According to the Jane Austen Society, Jane Austen’s connection to Reading runs deep, rooted in both her education and family ties. At just nine years old, she spent 18 months at Reading Ladies’ Boarding School, housed in the historic Abbey Gateway—a structure that still stands today and will be a focal point of Jane Austen 250.
Education was highly valued in the Austen family. Her father, George Austen, was a scholar and clergyman, while her mother, Cassandra Leigh, came from an intellectual lineage. Despite more affordable schools closer to their Hampshire home, Reading was chosen for its strong reputation—particularly for the daughters of clergymen—and its proximity to Sonning, where their uncle, Rev. Dr Edward Cooper, was Rector. Jane’s schooling was brief but formative. Though she rarely mentioned it, echoes of her experience appear in Emma, where she describes Mrs Goddard’s as a place where girls could “scramble themselves into a little education.” Her time in Reading was cut short in 1786 due to her family’s financial struggles, but by the following year, the twelve-year-old Jane was already writing seriously—a testament to the enduring influence of her early education.
JANE AUSTEN 250 IN READING
In 2025, Reading will be swept up in the charm and brilliance of Jane Austen as the city embarks on a year-long celebration of her 250th anniversary. And at the heart of it all? The Roseate Reading—your gateway to an era of wit, romance, and intrigue. From elegant afternoon teas that would make even the Dashwoods swoon to luxurious stays steeped in literary history, we are perfectly placed on the route of the grand tour unfolding across the city. Wander through Austen’s former schoolroom, step into the pages of her world, and indulge in a celebration where every moment feels like a scene from one of her novels. The invitation is yours—come and play!
Visit Jane Austen’s Schoolroom in Reading (April – October 2025)
In 2025, Jane Austen’s school in Reading Abbey Gateway will open its doors for a series of special events and guided tours. Once home to the Reading Ladies Boarding School, where a young Austen studied alongside her sister Cassandra, this historic space is believed to have inspired Mrs Goddard’s School in Emma. Guided visits will take place every Saturday from April to October, with private group tours available by arrangement.
Jane Austen Wednesdays – Talks & Workshops (May & June 2025)
Every Wednesday afternoon in May and June, Reading Museum will host a series of talks and workshops exploring Austen’s world—from her time in Reading to the everyday rituals of Regency society. With themes ranging from education and etiquette to dining traditions and natural ink-making, each session offers a deep dive into the era that shaped Austen’s writing.
An Afternoon Worthy of Austen
Few things are as quintessentially English as the ritual of Afternoon Tea, and at The Roseate Reading, this tradition is elevated to an experience of pure indulgence! Served daily in The Reading Room, the best Afternoon Tea in Reading offers a moment of calm, a chance to pause and savour delicate finger sandwiches, decadent cakes, and warm, buttery scones with clotted cream and jam.
But in May and June 2025, our Afternoon Tea spread takes on a particularly Austenian charm. As part of Jane Austen 250, we are bringing a taste of the Regency era to Reading with a special Jane Austen Afternoon Tea. Inspired by authentic Georgian recipes, this refined spread harks back to a time of handwritten letters, leisurely countryside strolls, and, of course, the finest social gatherings.
The spread is no stranger to heritage-themed teas—our Huntley & Palmer biscuit tea, a homage to Reading’s biscuit-making legacy, has already delighted guests with its nostalgic charm. This time, we are stepping even further back in time, offering a tea experience fit for Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, or even Jane Austen herself.
Theatrical & Cinematic Highlights of Jane Austen 250
“Death Comes to Pemberley” – The Mill at Sonning (1 May – 28 June 2025)
A world premiere that reimagines the lives of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy in a gripping murder mystery. Set in the grandeur of Pemberley, this thrilling adaptation of P.D. James’ novel brings intrigue, romance, and scandal to Jane Austen’s most beloved characters. As a murder rocks the estate, old secrets resurface, and Darcy and Elizabeth must navigate a web of suspicion to uncover the truth. With drama, deception, and the timeless wit of Austen’s world, this is a must-see theatrical event.
Basildon Park – Pride & Prejudice Comes to Life
In the world of Pride & Prejudice at the National Trust’s Basildon Park, the film location for Netherfield in the 2005 adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
You can wander through the opulent 18th-century mansion and explore the Visions Unreel exhibition, which reveals Basildon Park’s starring roles in period dramas like The Crown. Surrounded by 400 acres of stunning parkland, this is a place where cinematic history and literary heritage meet.
The Jane Austen Stay Experience – A Journey Through Time
For those wishing to fully revel in Austen’s world, our luxurious boutique hotel in Reading will be offering a special Jane Austen rate for guests visiting its two Austen-linked hotels in Reading and Bath. Perfectly placed on the Great West Way tour, this journey invites you to one of the best places to visit for Jane Austen fans in England– for you to step back in time and experience the elegance, wit, and romance of Austen’s England.
A Heartwarming Christmas Dining Experience in Reading
