Austen and Winchester: JA 250 Treasury exhibition

Celebrating the 250th anniversary year of Jane Austen’s birth, this exhibition explores the relationship between Austen and Winchester College, where eight of her nephews were educated between 1808 and 1830. The exhibits showcase life at Winchester College in the early nineteenth century, when her nephews were at the College and also when Austen spent the final weeks of her life living on the outskirts of the College, at No. 8 College Street.

Highlights include first editions of Austen’s novels, a copy of Catherine Maria Fanshawe’s ‘Charade’ in Austen’s hand (a rare surviving example of Austen copying out the work of another writer), a copy in her brother James Edward’s handwriting of their father’s poem ‘Venta’ on Jane’s death, and much more.

The exhibition and the rest of Treasury is open from 2 – 4pm every day. The exhibition closes on 19th December 2025. Entry is free and there is no need to pre-book.