Everyone loves Jane Austen, but how much do we really know about her as person? There have been numerous biographies and movies that provide a glimpse into her life but they often fall short by only focusing on her romantic past, thus creating this mushy pseudo emotional character who defines Jane entirely. So, after doing some research I put together a list of interesting facts about her life that I hope you enjoy.
1. Jane Austen was born on December 16th 1775 in Hampshire England.
2. Her father George was a country clergyman.
3. She was the seventh of eight children (6 sons and 2 daughters)
4. Jane's nickname was Jenny
5. Her best friend was her older sister Cassandra, who was 2 years older.
6. Jane never lived away from her family. Even when she went to boarding school for a couple of years her sister, Cassandra came with her.
7. Austen detested cities. She preferred the countryside over the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.
8. She loved to dance, play the piano, and perform in plays for her family.
9. In December of 1795, when Jane was 20, she fell in love with Thomas Langlois Lefroy, a graduate of Trinity College of Dublin. Thomas was visiting his Aunt, Madam Lefroy whom Jane was friends with. Unfortunately for the couple, Madam Lefroy sent him away because the family did not approve of their courtship and threatened to disinherit him. Thomas would later become the Chief Justice of Ireland.
10. While on vacation in 1800, Jane met and fell in love with a young clergy man. Sadly, he died before they could marry.
11. Later that year, Jane accepted a proposal from Harris Bigg-Wither, who was the brother to one of her closest friends. The morning after their engagement Jane called it off because she felt like Harris was too young and immature for her.
12. Jane was not very sociable. She was known to be somewhat reclusive.
13. While living in Chawton, there was a swinging door outside of her room where she wrote that creaked terribly. She refused to have it fixed because it gave her warning when anyone was entering.
14. Austen always wrote on small pieces of paper so she could easily hide what she was writing or discard it quickly.
15. In her late 30's, Jane contracted Addison's Disease, which is a tubercular disease of the kidneys. John F. Kennedy also had this disease.
16. Addison's disease made it very difficult for her to walk so she used a little donkey carriage to get around. The carriage is now in a museum in Chawton.
17. On the morning of July 18th 1817, Jane died in her sister's arms. She was only 41 years old.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! Enjoy the last bit of summer!
Love, Lili
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