FANS of Jane Austen will be given the opportunity to take part in a number of events at the legendary poet and novelist’s house museum.

The series of events, with activities ranging from poetry workshops to stargazing, starts tonight with a workshop and poetry reading led by resident poet Maura Dooley.

A period cookery workshop will be held on February 21 with participants given a masterclass in the cooking methods and equipment used during Jane Austen’s life.

On February 26 leading poet Simon Armitage will host a special stargazing event where he will reflect on his interests as an amateur astronomer and treat the audience to snippets of his new work.

Wannabe authors will be given the opportunity to live their dream and create their own book from scratch on March 14, during a workshop from bookbinder Marysa de Veer.

On March 22 food historian Dr Annie Gray will work with recipes that would have been familiar to Jane Austen.

As well as workshops, fans will be able to enjoy a series of talks from authors and experts.

On April 25 author Lucinda Hawksley will discuss the changing role of women between the 18th and 20th century, and on June 27 university lecturer and 18th-century literature expert John Mullan will attempt to answer the question ‘Was Emma ever right?’ On March 21 Maura Dooley will lead a workshop on the subject of A View from a Window.

Other events include John White re-enactor returning to the museum in the guise of Matthew Chapman – a Regency pedlar – on March 7 and 8 and various writing workshops with novelist Rebecca Smith throughout May.

  • For more information go to jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk.