To Cassandra, from Steventon, "-Perhaps I may stay at Manydown as long as Monday, but not longer." - Jane Austen Wednesday 19 December 1798
Manydown Park had been home to the Bigg-Wither family since 1789 and remained so until it was demolished in 1965. It was six miles from Steventon.
Jane and Cassandra were friends with Elizabeth, Catherine and Alethea Bigg which might be the reason for her visit to Manydown.
Their brother Harris Bigg-Wither proposed marriage to Jane in December 1802. She accepted. Harris Bigg-Wither was to inherit at least this estate and one other, Wymering, near Cosham, Hants, that I know of. She thought about it and withdrew her acceptance the next morning. I suppose she just could not marry without love.
Wymering Manor is known as "Britain's Most Haunted House." Just think, if Jane would have married Harris her books might have taken quite a different tone. Perhaps Mr. Darcy might really have had fangs and General Tilney might really have been hiding his wife's ghost in the upstairs bedroom, you just never know.
An interesting fact is that Wymering Manor is linked with St Peter & St Paul Church
and churchyard, which is where Jane's brother Vice Admiral Sir Francis Austen and his family are buried.
Jane and Cassandra remained friends with Elizabeth, Catherine and Alethea even after Jane declined Harris' offer.
A few fun facts from just one sentence.
I hope you enjoy your day today!
Terrie
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