See two of Jane Austen’s handwritten poems, now on extended display in celebration of her 250th birthday on 16 December.
In the collection of The Roman Baths Museum, this display features a single side of paper with one full poem and part of another poem written by the author.
This copy of “When Strech’d on one’s bed” is the only surviving version of the poem in Austen’s hand. It is dated 27th October 1811. It is believed she was resident at Chawton, Hampshire at the time of writing, awaiting the publication of Sense and Sensibility.
Part of this original poem is on display, along with the full poem “On the marriage of Mr Gell of East Bourn to Miss Gill”. Both poems are also featured on the display board.
The poems can be viewed in the King’s Lounge, to the side of the Pump Room, until the end of the year. Admission is free, via Stall Street.
Jane Austen was a frequent visitor to The Pump Room and it features in two of her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Both novels were first published on 20 December 1817, six months after her death,
Details:
Kings Lounge Display,
Enter via the Stall St Entrance
9am-5pm
