The beautiful village of Chawton lies 12 miles (19km) north east of Winchester and just south of Alton, although the Alton by-pass (A31) now sadly bisects the village. In the 11th century the lands around Chawton were in the hands of Odo of Winchestre but after the Conquest the manor was given to Hugh de Port, a very pious knight who became a monk. The village grew to become a small agricultural community, the church of St.Nicholas was first built in the C13th and there were various repairs and rebuilds over the centuries until a serious fire in 1871 destroyed most of the church with only the chancel surviving. Re-building started almost immediately under the guidance of Sir Arthur Blomfield, built in the decorated style, c1290, it consists of a nave, tower, north aisle and vestry. The village has a fine collection of thatched and tile roofed cottages including the Greyfriars, originally a row of three cottages now converted into a fine village pub. But it is the cottage of Chawton`s most famous inhabitant - Jane Austen - that most people want to see; although the story starts with her brother Edward. Edward Austen was adopted by the childless Knight family, who lived in the C16th Chawton House, when Edward`s father died. He inherited the house and estate in 1794 and in 1809 moved his mother and sisters, Cassandra & Jane into a cottage in the village (now called Chawton Cottage). It was in this cottage between 1809 and 1817 that Jane wrote Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion as well as several short stories. The cottage is now the Jane Austen Cottage Museum. Chawton House has also undergone a restoration and is now the centre for the Study of Woman's Writing in English between 1600 and 1830; it`s library houses over 9000 volumes and related manuscripts.
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Places to Stay near Chawton
Beech Barns (1.20 miles)
Beech barns is a recently renovated historic barn conversion dating back to the early 18th century, and retaining many original features. Mixing contemporary and classic styles with modern facilities we ... More
Swan Hotel (1.28 miles)
Alton House Hotel (1.58 miles)
Alton House provides the style of a country retreat set in spacious grounds with an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. Catering for business or pleasure perfectly with 39 en suite ... More
Alton Grange Hotel (2.24 miles)
The Grange Hotel stands in glorious landscaped gardens on the outskirts of the market town of Alton in Hampshire with views over the surrounding countryside, yet just one hour to the south of Central London ... More | visit website
Upper Neatham Mill Farm Guest House (2.49 miles)
4 star quality in tourism Hotel, in a tranquil setting 1 mile from Alton centre and railway station, situated by the River Wey, surrounded by 11 acres of gardens and woodland which attract a variety of wildlife.
All ... More | visit website
The Three Horseshoes (2.52 miles)
The White Hart (2.93 miles)
A delightful village Inn on the outskirts of the beautiful Hampshire town of Alton. Very near to Guildford (20 mins), Winchester (20 Mins) and Farnham (10 Mins). nearby attractions include ... More
Queens Hotel (3.31 miles)
The Queens at Selborne, which has been at the hub of village society for over 250 years, has recently been completely refurbished, and is now beginning a new life.The 7 bedrooms are now all en-suite ... More | visit website
Flossie's B&B (3.35 miles)
Travelodge Alton Four Marks (3.43 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
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