Edward austen knight

Frank austen memoir
George austen
Frank austen project

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Travels with Frank Austen

Admiral Sir Francis Austen, Jane Austen’s older brother, was born on 23 April 1774 – 250 years ago.

This display showcases two newly acquired objects that reveal much about the Austen family and their history: an unpublished manuscript biography of Frank Austen and an album of watercolours and drawings by Frank and his daughter Cassandra. Previously in family ownership, these objects go on display for the first time, offering new insights into Jane Austen and her family through the lens of the brother most intimately connected with the domestic lives of the Austen women.

With thanks to the Friends of the National Libraries and the V&A Beecroft Bequest for their help with these acquisitions, and to Professor Kathryn Sutherland for curating the display.

Enter the exhibition…

Jane Austen’s broth

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Francis William Austen,
His Daughter, Mary Jane
Brother and Niece of Jane Austen

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Although we don’t have any direct evidence to tell us that Jane Austen herself actually ever visited Deal, we do know that her brother Francis William Austen did. In fact he and his wife with their young family stayed here. Unfortunately, they were not here for pleasure but because of the war with France. Pleasurable pursuits did occur though.

While Jane Austen was visiting her friend Harriot Bridges, at Goodnestone Farm, Harriot received an invitation to a Ball at Deal. Jane writes to her sister Cassandra that she has offered to return home early so not to be in the way. She did not return early but she does not say in her letter a few days later if she went to the Ball or not.

Dansen by Alexander Lauréus, c 1814

Francis William Austen

Francis Wiliam Austen 1795- Public domain

Francis William, or Frank to family and friends, was like his brother Charles, in the Navy. Charles also visited Deal on several occasions while returning from or joining

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Francis Austen

British Royal Navy officer (1774–1865)

For those of a similar name, see Francis Austin (disambiguation) and Frank Austin (disambiguation).

Admiral of the FleetSir Francis William Austen, GCB (23 April 1774 – 10 August 1865) was a Royal Navy officer and an elder brother of the novelist Jane Austen. As commanding officer of the sloop HMS Peterel, he captured some 40 ships, was present at the capture of a French squadron, and led an operation when the French brig Ligurienne was captured and two others were driven ashore off Marseille during the French Revolutionary Wars.