Chawton House, Manor house and research center in Chawton, England
Chawton House is a 16th-century manor built with flint walls, stone details, and a tiled roof sitting in the Hampshire countryside. The building contains rooms arranged around a central courtyard, with period furnishings and fireplaces throughout.
Nicholas Knight acquired the estate in 1578 and his son John began construction of the current building in 1580. The house later served as a family residence and eventually transformed into a research center for studying early women's literature.
The library focuses on early writings by women between 1600 and 1830, showing how female authors developed their voices during this period. You can see how these works are presented in the rooms and understand their place in literary history.
The house opens to visitors during the warmer months with varying days and hours depending on the season. Wear comfortable shoes and check opening times in advance, as you will need to climb stairs to see the different rooms.
One room contains a reading alcove where Jane Austen spent time during her visits to the house. The author was the sister of the then-owner Edward Austen Knight and stayed there regularly.
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