June 19, 1999 - Chawton

Took a trip with my aunt and cousins to Chawton, to visit Jane Austen's house, of course! 

(Reading Mansfield Park in 2008 and came across a mention of "Window Tax"- immediately thought of Jane's House and that bricked up window.)
Caitlin, Aunt Teresa & Addie in Jane's garden

After touring her house and yard, we walked up to St. Nicholas Church and around the neighborhood. 

The cousins and me in front of a lovely house

Caitlin

Then we drove to Winchester. 

Admiring a yellow house when I noticed a plaque saying that this was where Jane Austen died.

We checked out the ruins of Philip and Mary's castle, the West Gate, got dinner for pizza, and then drove to the b&b, The Old Vicarage, previously the home of the author of Thomas the Tank Engine. The proprietors welcomed visitors into their home, encouraging us to relax in the family/music room.