The following questions may help you understand more clearly the times in which Jane Austen lived. She makes much of the characteristics, social norms and practices of the time in which she lived. Some knowledge of her times will help you appreciate the novels even more.

Find out Jane Austen's dates of birth and death.

Who was on the throne of Britain at this time?

What is this period in British history called?

What significant events \ trends took place at this time?

Was Britain at war? If so, with whom?

Who were the most wealthy people? Who are the richest people in Jane Austen's novels.

Were many people becoming better off or poorer?

What transport was available? Were there roads as we know them today?

Was it easy to move around the country at the time?

What was the style of building common at the time?

How did people communicate with each other regularly and how did they find out what was in the news?

How did the upper classes dress - think of the clothes worn by both men and women? From where was much of the fabric \ material imported?

Why were Brighton and Bath so fashionable? How did Jane Austen portray these cities in her novels?