The 16th December marks the birthday of Jane Austen and we took a trip to her cottage in Chawton which was serving mince pies and drinks in celebration.  An extra delight was that we had our first snow and it fell thick and fast, covering the garden and the cottages in the village.  It was a scene straight from a Christmas card. 

We also had the pleasure of chatting to the Jane Austen museum’s writer in residence, Rebecca Smith.  Rebecca is the great, great, great, great, great niece of Jane and it’s lovely to think of a direct descendent writing in the cottage today.  Read her lovely blog here.

Chawton House looked especially beautiful and the churchyard at St Nicholas – where Jane’s mother and sister are buried – was silent and snowy.

Then it was on to Winchester where the final chapter of my novel is set.  The cathedral was wonderfully quiet and I sat by Jane Austen’s grave in the north aisle, making some notes for my book. 

Happy Birthday, Jane!  You’re one of the best Christmas presents ever given to the world!