Jane Austen Timeline

1775

Jane Austen is Born

Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire, England. She was the seventh child of George and Cassandra Austen and grew up with six brothers and one sister.

1783

Jane Austen Is Sent to Oxford, England

Austen and her older sister were sent away to continue their education. They later returned home because of illness.

1787–1793

Jane Austen Begins Writing

As a young person, Austen wrote short stories and poems for her family and friends as a form of entertainment.

1795

Early Draft of Sense and Sensibility

Austen began an early version of Sense and Sensibility when she was about 19 or 20 years old.

1797

Work on Pride and Prejudice Begins

Austen began an early draft of Pride and Prejudice, originally titled First Impressions.

1801

Jane Austen Moves to Bath

Jane Austen moved to Bath with her parents, George and Cassandra Austen.

1805

Jane Austen's Father Passes Away

George Austen died in January 1805. His death caused financial difficulties for Jane, her mother, and her sister.

1809

Jane Austen Settles in Chawton

Jane, her mother, and her sister settled in Chawton, Hampshire, in a cottage provided by her brother Edward.

1811

Sense and Sensibility Is Published

The novel was published anonymously under the description "By a Lady."

1813

Pride and Prejudice Is Published

Austen published one of her most famous novels, exploring love, social class, and first impressions.

1814

Mansfield Park Is Published

Mansfield Park was published and became another successful novel during Austen's lifetime.

1815

Emma Is Published

Emma was published in December 1815, with the title page dated 1816.

1816

Jane Austen's Health Declines

Despite her declining health, Austen continued writing. She worked on Sanditon and had previously begun The Watsons.

1817

Jane Austen Passes Away

Jane Austen died on July 18, 1817, in Winchester, England, at the age of 41.