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 from around the UK much to the delight of numerous Jane Austen societies. 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 HLF grant of £191,600 will now enable the Jane Austin House Museum to enhance its collection of items closely associated with the author and her circle. This project will run until 2017 which is the 200th anniversary of Jane’s death.