Tucked beside the Headmaster's House of Winchester College at 8 College Street is an unobtrusive mustard-coloured building. If not for the blue plaque above the door it would be easy to pass by this ordinary dwelling. It was here that the celebrated Regency novelist, Jane Austen, spent the last few weeks of her life.
Austen dwelt at nearby Chawton for several years, but in 1817 her health began to fail and she came to Winchester with her sister Cassandra to receive better medical care. It was a forlorn hope, and on 18 July 1817, Jane Austen died and was buried at nearby Winchester Cathedral.
Jane Austen's house is now let as a private home, and there is no visitor access.
Do not mistake this private house for Jane Austen House in Chawton, which is very much open to visitors and is well worth a visit!
Related:
Jane Austen biography
