Jane Austen's Hampshire home given funding boost for repairs
The author lived in the house near Alton whilst writing her six novels
A house near Alton where Jane Austen lived whilst writing her six novels has been given a major financial boost.
The money from the Historic Houses Foundation will be used to carry out essential repairs to the property.
The Foundation made the award from a £2.1 million Heritage Stimulus Fund programme it manages for Historic England.
Its grants help support properties in the heritage sector which have experienced very sharp falls in revenue during the pandemic, directly impacting their ability to maintain, repair and renovate their buildings.
Austen's home is one of 13 nationally important properties which can begin work immediately on urgent repairs ranging from chimneys to vulnerable plasterwork ceilings.
Lizzie Dunford, Director said
“It is truly excellent news that Jane Austen’s House have been awarded this grant. We can now restore the roof which sheltered Austen as she created some of the great masterpieces of English Literature and protect her treasured belongings and inspirational home for future generations.”
Work will begin immediately and continue over the winter months.