Jane Austen Inspired Talk and Afternoon Tea - Georgian Dining

This talk begins by setting the scene for the Georgian period and explains how developments in agricultural practices, increasing industrialisation and improved transport systems enabled change and brought new innovations to the Georgian’s dining experience.

Jane Austen’s books tell us so much of her own experiences at the dining table and we will touch upon some of those as we consider the experience of the Georgian dinner guest. We will glimpse into the Georgian dining room and explore some of the more extreme table etiquette of the middle and upper classes and the dinner parties they enjoyed. We finish by glimpsing behind the scenes at the kitchen and the art of cooking, recipes and the new cookery books which were becoming increasing important. 

After the talk we have exclusive access to the Abbey Gateway building, once part of the school where Jane Austen studied in her younger years. Please note the steps into the building are narrow and steep.

Afterwards we will walk round to The 5* Roseate Hotel to sample their Jane Austen Afternoon Tea.