New garden commemorating Jane Austen to open in Alton

The project received £46,705.36 from East Hampshire District Council through their Rural Grants scheme.

The garden in Alton
Author: Alex DukePublished 6th Sep 2024

A garden commemorating a famous author with a connection to East Hampshire is opening in Alton.

Jane Austen, who wrote the likes of Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, lived in Chawton, and the garden is set to feature flowers mentioned in her books.

The project received £46,705.36 from East Hampshire District Council through their Rural Grants scheme.

Cllr Robert Mocatta, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Our Rural Grants scheme is aimed at helping businesses and community groups make the area more attractive to visitors and improve the lives of local residents.

“This beautiful Regency garden is a perfect example of that. You can really imagine Jane Austen enjoying the flowers and plants and it’s situated on a High Street in Alton which she would have visited many times.

“It’s sure to bring in Austen fans from around the world as well as being a charming and relaxing spot for local people to visit.”

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