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Frank austen memoir

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Francis William Austen,
His Daughter, Mary Jane
Brother and Niece of Jane Austen

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Although we don’t have any direct evidence to tell us that Jane Austen herself actually ever visited Deal, we do know that her brother Francis William Austen did. In fact he and his wife with their young family stayed here. Unfortunately, they were not here for pleasure but because of the war with France. Pleasurable pursuits did occur though. 

While Jane Austen was visiting her friend Harriot Bridges, at Goodnestone Farm, Harriot received an invitation to a Ball at Deal. Jane writes to her sister Cassandra that she has offered to return home early so not to be in the way. She did not return early but she does not say in her letter a few days later if she went to the Ball or not.

Dansen by Alexander Lauréus, c 1814

Francis William Austen

Francis Wiliam Austen 1795- Public domain

Francis William, or Frank to family and friends, was like his brother Charles, in the Navy. Charles also visited Deal on several occasions while returning from or joining

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Travels with Frank Austen

This display showcases two newly acquired objects that reveal much about the Austen family and their history: an unpublished manuscript biography of Frank Austen and an album of watercolours and drawings by Frank and his daughter Cassandra.

Admiral Sir Francis Austen, Jane Austen’s older brother, was born on 23 April 1774 – 250 years ago.

This display showcases two newly acquired objects that reveal much about the Austen family and their history: an unpublished manuscript biography of Frank Austen and an album of watercolours and drawings by Frank and his daughter Cassandra. Previously in family ownership, these objects go on display for the first time, offering new insights into Jane Austen and her family through the lens of the brother most intimately connected with the domestic lives of the Austen women.

With thanks to the Friends of the National Libraries and the V&A Beecroft Bequest for their help with these acquisitions, and to Professor Kathryn Sutherland for curating the display.

 

Enter the exhibition…

Jane Austen’s broth

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Francis William Austen R.N.

Francis William Austen R.N.

     Francis William Austen R.N.ExplanationEldest son of Vice-Admiral Sir Francis William Austen (1774-1865), brother of the novelist, Jane Austen. Date (from)(Date to)Personal12 July 1809 Born13 July 1843 Married his cousin, Frances Palmer, third daughter of Rear-Admiral C.J. Austen12 December 1858 Died (Lansdowne Villa, Regents Park, Milbrook, Southampton, England) DateRank11 February 1822Entered Navy28 April 1830Lieutenant23 November 1841Commander11 November 1846Captain Date fromDate toService22 November 1830 Lieutenant in Gannet (1814, brig-sloop), commanded by Mark Halpen Sweny23 February 183211 August 1834Lieutenant in Tweed, commanded by Allan Bertram12 August 1834 Lieutenant in Tweed, commanded by Henry George Hamilton

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