Warren Hastings and Jane Austen

A talk by Victoria Huxley, author of Jane Austen & Adlestrop: Her Other Family, revealed the network of coincidences and connections between Warren Hastings and the Leigh family of Adlestrop and the Austens of Hampshire which led to a surprising link between the great writer and the great empire builder.

From Our Guest Book

  • "Why haven't we been here earlier? We shall certainly return!"

  • "Beautiful restoration, very nicely done! Unexpected hive of information."

  • "Excellent to have this centre as a focus for Churchill's history - especially in relation to William Smith."

  • "A little gem I didn't know existed."

  • "What a lovely treat to stumble upon. Thank you for preserving a part of our Heritage"

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "A fascinating display in a very beautiful setting."

  • "Congratulations to all on this initiative.  So well-organised and user-friendly."

  • "Lovely spot, so grateful this part of the old church was saved."

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "A fascinating visit. William Smith was a wonderful man! "

  • "Such a wonderful enterprise. The locality should be proud of it."

  • "Fantastic, absolutely first class. Most interesting and informative."

  • "Very good new interactive displays, very comprehensive."

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"