Friday, July 27, 2012

Letter #12, Post #1

Friday 27 July 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon: "Sunday November 25,
"My dear Sister
     "I expected to have heard from you this morning, but no letter is come. I shall not take the trouble of announcing to you any more of Mary's children, if, instead of thanking me for the intelligence, you always sit down and write to James. I am sure nobody can desire your letters so much as I do, and I don't think anybody deserves them so well. Having now relieved my heart of a great deal of malevolence, I will proceed to tell you that Mary continues quite well, and my mother tolerably so. I saw the former on Friday, and though I had seen her comparatively hearty the Tuesday before, I was really amazed at the improvement which three days had made in her. She looked well, her spirits were perfectly good, and she spoke much more vigorously than Elizabeth did when we left Godmersham. I had only a glimpse at the child, who was asleep; but Miss Debary told me that his eyes were large, dark, and handsome." - Jane Austen, Sunday 25 November 1798

It had been seven days since Jane wrote letter number 11; but there was possibly a letter written 20-22 November 1798.

The beginning of this letter brought to mind a bit of Elizabeth Bennet Darcy's wit, a pretty good chastising! given tongue in cheek.

                                          Keira Knightley as Lizzy Bennet Darcy P & P 2005

I hope you enjoyed your day today!
Terrie


Sunday, July 22, 2012

Letter #11, Post #16

Saturday 21 July 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "I called yesterday on Betty Londe, who enquired particularly after you, and said she seemed to miss you very much, because you used to call in upon her very often. This was an oblique reproach at me, which I am sorry to have merited, and from which I will profit. I shall send George another picture when I write next, which I suppose will be soon, on Mary's account. My mother continues well.

Yours,
J.A.



Miss Austen,
Godmersham." - Jane Austen Saturday 17-Sunday 18 November 1798

George, Mary and Mrs. Austen have been covered, so let's see who Betty Londe is.

Well, I am not too sure who Betty Londe is. She must have been a neighbor to the Austen's. It sounds as though she was close enough to call on often, possibly like Mrs. and Miss Bates?

It sounds as though Betty Londe had a pretty good wit about her. She certainly got her point across and Jane did not seem to be offended by it; in fact, she was very gracious about it.

So, today we finished letter number eleven. I hope you have enjoyed it, I have.

Terrie

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Letter #11, Post #15

Tuesday 17 July 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "Sunday.-I have just received a note from James to say that Mary was brought to bed last night, at eleven o'clock, of a fine little boy, and that everything is going on very well. My mother had desired to know nothing of it before it should be all over, and we were clever enough to prevent her having any suspicion of it, though Jenny, who had been left here by her mistress, was sent for home...." - Jane Austen, Saturday 17-Sunday 18 November 1798

             Silhouette of James Edward Austen Leigh from http://smithandgosling.wordpress.com/

This was the announcement of the birth of James-Edward Austen-Leigh. He wrote A Memoir of Jane Austen in 1869. He attended Exeter College, Oxford and received a MA in 1826. He was ordained in 1823 and was curate of Newtown, Berkshire. He was vicar of Bray, Berkshire from 1852 to 1874. In 1837 James-Edward Austen added the surname of Leigh when he became the heir to his great-aunt, Mrs. Leigh-Perrot. Mrs. Jane Cholmeley Leigh-Perrot was Jane Austen's mother's (Cassandra) sister, so, Jane Austen's aunt. With this inheritance he inherited the Leigh-Perrot house in Scarlets, Berkshire, but he sold it in 1863. James-Edward Austen Leigh passed away 8 September 1874.

                                Silhouette of Emma Smith Austen Leigh from http://smithandgosling.wordpress.com/

He married Emma Smith on 16 December 1828 and they lived at Tring Park with her family, the Smith's, until 1833.

 Emma was born in 1801 and died in 1876. She was a niece of Mrs. William-John Chute of The Vyne. An interesting thing about her is that she kept journals throughout her life. Kelly M. McDonald has a great website with great information on Emma Smith. Check it out it is well worth your time.
http://smithandgosling.wordpress.com/

                           A drawing of Emma Smith Austen Leigh from http://www3.hants.gov.uk/austen/deane-parsonage/the-vyne.htm

Together James-Edward Austen Leigh and Emma Smith Austen Leigh had ten children:
Cholmeley (1829 to 1899)
Emma-Cassandra (1831 to 1902)
Charles-Edward (1832 to 1924)
Spencer (1834 to 1913)
Arthur-Henry (1836 to 1917); this is a link to great information about Arthur-Henry, but also some information about the rest of the family. http://www.winterbourne.freeuk.com/chaustenleigh.html
Mary-Augusta (1838 to 1922)
Edward-Compton (1839 to 1916)
Augustus (1840 to 1905)
George-Raymond (1841 to 1842)
William (1843 to 1921)

In 1913 William and Cholmeley's son, Richard-Arthur collaborated to write Jane Austen, her Life and Letters, a Family Record. In 1920, James-Edward and Emma's daughter, Mary Augusta, wrote Personal Aspects of Jane Austen.

It is amazing to me how fast we move generations; from Jane Austen to James-Edward Austen Leigh to the 1920's and Downton Abby! Time goes by too fast! Maybe a reminder to enjoy each day?
Terrie

Friday, July 13, 2012

Letter #11, Post #14


Friday 13 July 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "I hope George was pleased with my designs. Perhaps they would have suited him as well had they been less elaborately finished; but an artist cannot do anything slovenly. I suppose baby grows and improves. - Jane Austen, Saturday 17-Sunday 18 November 1798

George was George-Thomas Austen Knight born 22 November 1795, so he would have been almost three years old. It is too bad these drawings were not held onto.

The baby was William Austen Knight who was born on 10 October 1798, so he was just about five weeks old. It is so sweet, William took over Steventon as curate and then rector from 1823 to 1873. He followed in his grandfather and uncle James' footsteps.

Okay let's see how Jane Austen measures up to Caroline Bingley's estimation of an accomplished woman?


                          This is a youtube video uploaded by Zippy C3, very clever!
                             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdFDamruANw

She must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, dancing and the modern languages to deserve the word; and their is something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions. And Mr. Darcy's addition, something more substantial in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.

The following are excerpts from A Memoir of Jane Austen by James Edward Austen-Leigh.
"Jane herself was fond of music, and had a sweet voice, both in singing and in conversation; in her youth she had received some instruction on the pianoforte; and at Chawton she practised daily, chiefly before breakfast. I believe she did so partly that she might not disturb the rest of the party who were less fond of music. In the evening she would sometimes sing, to her own accompaniment, some simple old songs, the words and airs of which, now never heard, still linger in my memory."

So, she could play the pianoforte and sing.

She attended a myriad of balls, so she could dance.

"She read French with facility, and knew something of Italian. In those days German was no more thought of than Hindostanee, as part of a lady's education."

So, she had a handle on the modern languages.

"In person she was very attractive; her figure was rather tall and slender, her step light and firm, and her whole appearance expressive of health and animation.  In complexion she was a clear brunette with a rich colour; she had full round cheeks, with mouth and nose small and well formed, bright hazel eyes, and brown hair forming natural curls close round her face."

It sounds like she had the air and manner of walking down and she had a sweet voice.

And it is well known she read extensively.

"Her knowledge of Richardson's works was such as no one is likely again to acquire, now that the multitude and the merits of our light literature have called off the attention of readers from that great master.  Every circumstance narrated in Sir Charles Grandison, all that was ever said or done in the cedar parlour, was familiar to her; and the wedding days of Lady L. and Lady G. were as well remembered as if they had been living friends.

"Amongst her favourite writers, Johnson in prose, Crabbe in verse, and Cowper in both, stood high.  It is well that the native good taste of herself and of those with whom she lived, saved her from the snare into which a sister novelist had fallen, of imitating the grandiloquent style of Johnson.  She thoroughly enjoyed Crabbe; perhaps on account of a certain resemblance to herself in minute and highly finished detail; and would sometimes say, in jest, that, if she ever married at all, she could fancy being Mrs. Crabbe; looking on
the author quite as an abstract idea, and ignorant and regardless what manner of man he might be.  Scott's poetry gave her great pleasure; she did not live to make much acquaintance with his novels. Only three of them were published before her death; but it will be seen by the following extract from one of her letters, that she was quite prepared to admit the merits of 'Waverley'; and it is remarkable that, living, as she did, far apart from the gossip of the literary world, she should even then have spoken so confidently of his being the author of it:--

   'Walter Scott has no business to write novels; especially good ones.
   It is not fair.  He has fame and profit enough as a poet, and ought
   not to be taking the bread out of other people's mouths.  I do not
   mean to like "Waverley," if I can help it, but I fear I must.  I am
   quite determined, however, not to be pleased with Mrs. ---'s, should I
   ever meet with it, which I hope I may not.  I think I can be stout
   against anything written by her.  I have made up my mind to like no
   novels really, but Miss Edgeworth's, E.'s, and my own.'"

So, now we add drawing to her abilities and I think Mr. Darcy will have to change his 
number of knowing accomplished women to seven.

I hope you enjoyed your day today!
Terrie

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Letter #11, Post #13

Wednesday 11 July 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "I am very fond of experimental housekeeping, such as having an ox-cheek now and then; I shall have one next week, and I mean to have some little dumplings put into it, that I may fancy myself at Godmersham." - Jane Austen, Saturday 17-Sunday 18 November 1798




Ox cheek and Old Peculier stew
Serves 4
450-500g ox cheek
2-3 tbsp cooking oil
2 medium onions, peeled and roughly chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1/2 tsp ground allspice or mixed spice
1 1/2 tbsp plain flour
A bayleaf (if you have one)
300 ml beef stock or stock made with 1 tsp Bovril or half a beef stock cube
150 ml Theakston’s Old Peculier or other full-bodied ale, porter or stout
1 tbsp fig relish (I used Tracklements) or date chutney or malt extract or dark brown sugar
1-2 tbsp malt vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 140°C/275°F/Gas 1. Cut the beef into small cubes, carefully removing any large bits of sinew or connective tissue (there’s quite a lot so just take out anything you think looks tough). Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the cubes quickly until lightly browned and transfer to a casserole. In the same oil cook the onion until starting to soften then add the carrots and cook for a few minutes more. Stir in the allspice and flour then add the stock and beer and gradually bring to the boil. Stir in the chutney and 1 tablespoon of the vinegar, add the bayleaf if you have one then put a lid on the casserole and cook in a low oven for about 2 1/2 -3 hours until the meat is tender (slightly less if you’re going to cool and reheat it). Check and stir the stew from time to time, turning the heat down a setting if it seems to be cooking too fast and half-opening the lid if the sauce needs reducing. When the meat is cooked check the seasoning, adding a little more vinegar if you think it needs it and an extra splash of beer to taste. I served this with a tray of roast sweet potatoes, onions and carrots and wedges of steamed Savoy cabbage but it would also be great with baked or boiled potatoes.
Posted by Fiona Beckett at 11:11

This recipe is from The Frugal Cook blog and here is the link.

This recipe seems popular with potatoes, but if you wish to fancy yourself at Godmersham make dumplings;). This recipes seems like it would be better in November when Jane Austen was planning to serve it. It will be way too hot here today, 107, to serve this.

I hope you enjoy your day today!
Terrie




Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Letter #11, Post #12

Tuesday 10 July 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "Harry St. John is in Orders, has done duty at Ashe, and performs very well. " - Jane Austen, Saturday 17-Sunday 18 November 1798

Harry must be Henry-Ellis St. John (1776-1842), the son of Reverend Ellis St. John, jr., of West Court, Finchamstead, Berks. Harry was rector of Winchfield, Hants from 1800 to 1809.

Finchampstead is a civil parish near Wokingham in Berkshire County.

West Court, Finchamstead, Berkshire. What an impressive building. It is now a military building.
This link tells some history of the house.
http://www.berkshirehistory.com/castles/west_court.html

This is a link to an aerial view of St. Mary's Church in Winchfield, Hants. which would have been Harry's church.
http://vimeo.com/35160210

This is a stationary view of the South porch of St. Mary's
Copyright Hugh Craddock and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons License.


Advowson

“The advowson of the church of Winchfield followed the same descent as the manor, until the death of Lawrence Rudyerd in 1757. Instead of passing with the manor to his aunts, Frances and Mary Tichborne, it passed to his sisters Mary Lodge and Frances, wife of Nicholas Mayhew, by whom it was sold in 1767 to the Rev. Ellis St. John. It was sold by his son Henry in 1848 to Lady St. John-Mildmay, from whom it has passed to Sir Henry P. St. John-Mildmay, bart., the present patron.” This information, written in 1911, is from:
'Parishes: Winchfield', A History of the County of Hampshire: Volume 4 (1911), pp. 109-112. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=56761 Date accessed: 10 July 2012
The definition of advowson from the freedictionary is:
Advowson – the right in English law of presenting a nominee to a vacant ecclesiastical benefice.

I wonder if this is how Mr. Collins got his job? In my opinion Lady Catherine would have chosen Mr. Collins for his lack of self-awareness and his eagerness to please. She would have certainly been able to control him.

Mr. Collins Pride and Prejudice 2005 played by Tom Hollander.

I hope you are enjoying your day today.
Terrie

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Letter #11, Post #11

Thursday 5 July 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "I believe I never told you that Mrs Couthard and Anne, late of Manydown, are both dead, and both died in childbirth. We have not regaled Mary with this news." - Jane Austen, Saturday 17-Sunday 18 November 1798

I do not quite know what to say about this post; to say childbirth was a risky business back then would be an understatement. I have not been able to find any information about Mrs. Couthard or Anne. Manydown was the home of the Bigg-Withers. I do not know the relationship she had with them.

Mary was Mary Lloyd Austen, James' wife who would, as it happens, have her first child on this very night, Saturday 17 November 1798. This is the reason they would not have told her about the deaths of these two ladies.

Before you go please take a few minutes to take a walk through this beautiful garden. The music is by Max Bruch.


Art Studio & rose garden - Le jardin du peintre Hélène Flont


This is a link to Helene Flont's blog. It is beautiful. Well worth your time!
http://heleneflont.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoyed your day today!
Terrie