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Jane Austen 250th anniversary in Reading
Across the UK in 2025, there will be celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. The quintessential English author is most often associated with Hampshire and Bath, but she spent her school days in Reading at Reading Ladies Boarding School. The school was housed in Reading Abbey Gateway, the former gatehouse of the medieval abbey at Reading. In 2025, Reading Museum will be offering visits to the Abbey Gateway to learn more about Jane Austen’s school days in Reading (see below).
Fans of film versions of Austen’s work should also visit Basildon Park just outside Reading. The National Trust historic house and estate played host to the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice, which starred Keira Knightley as Lizzie and Matthew MacFadyen as Mr Darcy.
Read more about Jane Austen's school days in Reading (by Joy Pibworth of the Jane Austen Society)
More about Reading Abbey Gateway (formerly Reading Ladies Boarding School)
The Grade I listed Abbey Gateway overlooking the Forbury Gardens in central Reading is a substantial part of what remains of Reading Abbey. This Gateway divided the public area of the Abbey grounds (what is now Forbury Gardens) and the private area where the rest of the ruins are. The Gateway has been fully restored and work finished in April 2018. It is now home to Reading Museum’s Victorian Schoolroom experience. The Abbey Gateway was once part of the Reading Ladies Boarding School. This was famously attended by Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra.
In 1861 the Gateway collapsed in a storm, shortly after funds had been raised for vital conservation. Instead the Gate had to be substantially rebuilt. This work was completed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, a Victorian architect known for his Gothic Revival work. He also designed Reading Gaol within the Abbey Quarter. Access to the Gateway is by organised tour only.
2025 tours of Jane Austen’s school room - Reading Museum is planning group tours to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The famous novelist attended school at the Abbey Gateway in 1785-86 and had family links to Reading and the Thames Valley. Contact Reading Museum to find out more.
Basildon Park
Basildon Park took a central role in the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice, which starred Keira Knightley as Lizzie and Matthew MacFadyen as Mr Darcy. The 18th-century Palladian mansion became Netherfield, Mr Bingley's house; a suitably grand residence for a 'young man of four or five thousand a year'.
Sitting elegantly in 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic parkland and gardens, this 18th-century house was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s, when it was de-requisitioned after the Second World War. With extraordinary vision, the Iliffes brought Basildon Park back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and carefully selected Old Masters.
The wooded parkland offers glorious seasonal colour, with spring bluebells, summer buttercups and autumn leaves, while the landscape has been carefully restored to offer wonderful views, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play.
Find out more about Baslidon Park
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