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A poem written by Jane Austen in her own hand is now on display at Winchester Cathedral
Jane Austen’s presence is still very much felt at Winchester Cathedral, where she spent her final days and now rests. This exhibition offers a rare and intimate glimpse into her personal life and the deep friendships that shaped her writing. We’re delighted to share this precious manuscript with visitors and to honour the legacy of one of England’s greatest literary voices.Canon Dr Roland Riem, Vice-Dean and Canon Chancellor, of Winchester Cathedral
A regency-inspired treasure hunt
To mark the exhibition’s opening, Winchester Cathedral has hidden 10 Jane Austen postcards around the Outer Close which, when claimed, offers free entry to the Jane Austen exhibition. The postcard’s (pictured) read:
Congratulations! Because you found this postcard you have unlocked one free entry pass to the brand-new Jane Austen poetry exhibition inside Winchester Cathedral which has opened today (23 May). Simply hand in your postcard at the Welcome Desk to claim your complimentary access. Visit before 19 October to claim your prize.
Treasure hunts were a popular Regency-era pastime, when young people and house guests often engaged in riddles and games.
Angelic Women: The friendship of Jane Austen and Anne Lefroy’ poetry exhibition
23rd May – 19th October 2025
A special opportunity to view the original manuscript of Jane Austen’s poem, in her hand, about the death of her close friend, Mrs Anne Lefroy. Anne was a mentor to Jane, encouraging her writing and sharing her extensive library before Anne’s untimely death following a riding accident in 1804.
Angelic Women is part of Celebrating Jane – Winchester Cathedral’s 250th anniversary celebrations marking Austen’s birth.
Jane Austen at Winchester Cathedral
Jane Austen, one of England’s most celebrated novelists, spent her final weeks in Winchester before her death in 1817. She is buried in the north aisle of Winchester Cathedral, where a modest gravestone marks her resting place. Today, the Cathedral remains an important site for Austen admirers from around the world. Her memorial stone, nearby brass plaque, and a striking stained glass window installed in her honour all celebrate her literary legacy and enduring connection to the city. Winchester Cathedral continues to explore and share Jane Austen’s life, friendships, and influence through exhibitions, events, and interpretation.
Friday 6th June 2025, Winchester Cathedral Quire and online via live stream, 7.30pm
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To begin at the beginning: A talk by Professor Michael Wheeler
The openings of Jane Austen’s novels.
We tend to ‘read for the ending’, accelerating as we approach the denouement: who dunnit? or, whom did they marry, and why? But let’s pause for a moment and look at the beginning. Michael Wheeler starts with some good and some very bad novel openings. He then homes in on the openings of Jane Austen’s six published novels, pages that demonstrate her genius, especially her wit and economy, as she creates the ‘world’ of each work of fiction.
Join in person or online via live stream.
Tickets:
£15 in person
£8.25 online via live stream
Friday 19th September 2025, 7.30pm
Book now
The Tell-Tale Compression of the Pages: Jane Austen’s Endings. A talk by Dr Gillian Dow.
Wedding bells; soaring music and sunny skies; a kiss shared by the happy couple: Jane Austen’s novels, when adapted for the screen, invariably end with the marriage of the hero and heroine. On the page, Austen’s endings are more complex.
In this talk, Dr Gillian Dow (University of Southampton) will range across Austen’s published and unpublished writing, looking in detail at the choices Austen made when concluding her fictions.
Join in person or online via live stream.
Tickets:
£15 in person
£8.25 online via live stream
16th October 2025, time to be confirmed
Unveiling of the Jane Austen Statue
Jane Austen’s grave is a principal destination for many visitors, though it doesn’t do justice to her moral vision or enduring literary legacy.
The Cathedral Chapter have therefore worked in close collaboration with Martin Jennings, one of the country’s leading figurative sculptors (more recently known for his portrait of King Charles III for the Royal Mint), to develop an outdoor memorial to Austen.
There are no uncontested portraits of Jane Austen, but Jennings has studied the available evidence to produce a likeness. His overall conception, reflected in her expression and posture, emphasises her moral vision and the strength of her literary legacy.
Located in the Inner Close, set against the homely backdrop of No 9 the Close, she stands as an authoritative and elegant figure, with her characteristic ringlets and cap, by her famous writing table.
The sculpture aims to represent her as closely to life-size as possible: Austen was about 1.7m.