-
Birth
Jane Austen was born in Steventon. Her father, George Austen was a clergyman who had seven children. Jane was the second daughter, but the seventh child. She always remained extremely close to her older sister, Cassandra. -
Boarding school
Jane and Cassandra leave home in pursuit of formal education for a boarding school in Oxford. However, the school is moved to Southampton where Typhoid fever infects many children. So, the girls go back home. They soon continue their education in 1785. -
Home School
The family's money runs out and Austen returns to Steventon from boarding school. The rest of her education is completed at home from her father's voluminous library. Austen lives with her parents and sister for the rest of her life. -
Beginning of the Writing
Jane begins to write stories and novels -
"Elinor and Marianne"
Before the year 1796, Jane read her novel Elinor and Marianne to her family. This novel is modernly known as Sense and Sensibility, -
Austen's First "Love"
Austen meets Tom LeFroy, an Irish law student who is the nephew of her neighbor. Austen and LeFroy spend time together during his month-long visit to Steventon. He leaves in January 1796 and soon becomes engaged to someone else, ending whatever relationship they had. -
First Novel Attempt
Austen completes the first draft of First Impressions, the novel that later becomes Pride and Prejudice. -
Nothanger Abbey
Jane begins to write Nothanger Abbey, and also finishing the early revisions of Elinor and Marianne. -
Austen Family Moves to Bath
Austen moves with her parents to the resort town of Bath, England, after her father's retirement from clergy. -
Marriage Proposal
Just before her 27th birthday, Jane Austen receives her only marriage proposal. A recent Oxford grad named Harris Bigg-Wither proposes to Austen while she is visiting his sisters. Realizing that the marriage would be good for her family's circumstances, Austen accepts. The next morning, however, she changes her mind and withdraws her acceptance. Bigg-Wither marries two years later; Austen never does. -
Thwarted Novel
Austen sells a novel called Susan to a publisher for £10. But the book is never published, and Austen's family later buys back the rights to the work. -
Jane's Father Dies
Jane's dad dies unexpectedly and the family has to rent a home. -
Chawton Cottage
Jane and Cassandra Austen and their mother move into Chawton Cottage, a home on an estate owned by their brother Edward. -
"Sense and Sensibility"
Austen publishes Sense and Sensibility, whose author is identified on the cover only as "a Lady." Austen's name is not attached to any of the novels she publishes during her lifetime. -
"Pride and Prejudice"
Pride and Prejudice is published. -
"Mansfield Park"
Mansfield Park is published. -
Death
Jane Austen dies at the age of 41. She is buried in Winchester Cathedral.
