The celebrated author spent the first 25 years of her life in Steventon, and it was there that she wrote what is perhaps her most famous novel.
The Jane Austen House Museum, at Chawton, near Alton, curated an exhibition that introduced people to the museum – where Pride and Prejudice was published – and showcased how the novel has been presented on TV, radio and film.
Local volunteers were trained to act as stewards for the exhibition which was then hosted by museums across the UK, allowing visitors in different locations to access and enjoy the exhibition. The displays also appeared at houses used in TV versions of the novel, such as Laycock Abbey near Chippenham and Lyme Park at Stockport.
A further grant of £191,600 has enabled the Jane Austen House Museum to enhance its collection of items closely associated with the author and her circle.