Julia Golding has been delving into the scandalous world of the Hell Fire Club for her new novel. This was a secret society that emerged out of the 18th century and had new admirers such as Jane's contemporary, Lord Byron. But what would Jane Austen make of this world of clubs and societies, usually the preserve of men? Julia and Kate Macfalane discuss. Were any open to women - and what were their alternatives. Which of her characters would belong to the Hell Fire Club? To buy Julia's book, go here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Persephone-Code-Julia-Golding-ebook/dp/B0CBYHBFRV/ To enter the short ..read more

In a world exclusive the What would Jane do? team interview the person who bought that shirt - yes, you can meet the person who won the auction and find out the plans for it going forward. In the same auction was the yellow pelisse worn in the 2020 Emma - find out where that is going as well. We also talk about Jane and celebrity culture, Byron, Nelson and much more. Here are the links we mention: Bringing a piece of television history to Calderdale | News Centre - Official news site of Calderdale Council Bankfield Museum | Calderdale Museums Address Bankfield Museum Akroyd Park Boothto ..read more

In our seasonal round up of the year we take Jane Austen to confront that theme of the year - artificial intelligence. What are the parallels in her era? Would she embrace change or hate it? Learn about frame breaking and factory reform. Has technology always been coming for our jobs? And stay tuned for some excruciatingly funny Ai attempts at writing in the style of Jane Austen. To book Chawton House: https:/www.airbnb.com/chawtonhouse To find out about becoming a Jane Austen festival Steward: Go to the Jane Austen festival website ..read more

What would Jane do about 'Who do you think you are?' Today we have a very special guest, Caroline Jane Knight, descendent of Jane Austen's brother Edward. Caroline devotes much of her time to the legacy of her famous fifth great aunt, running the Jane Austen Literary Foundation and supporting Chawton House. Find out what it was like to grow up in the family's ancestral home - a Tudor mansion - what it takes to come to terms with losing that home, and the return to enjoying the family associations with Chawton. And what trait does Caroline share with Jane? Stay tuned for our Darcy and Wickham ..read more

What would Jane do about 'Who do you think you are?' Today we have a very special guest, Caroline Jane Knight, descendent of Jane Austen's brother Edward. Caroline devotes much of her time to the legacy of her famous fifth great aunt, running the Jane Austen Literary Foundation and supporting Chawton House. Find out what it was like to grow up in the family's ancestral home - a Tudor mansion - what it takes to come to terms with losing that home, and the return to enjoying the family associations with Chawton. And what trait does Caroline share with Jane? Stay tuned for our Darcy and Wickham ..read more

On the 210th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice, Julia and Kate discuss first impressions (also the first title of P&P). We run through how first impressions were created in Regency England so if you wanted a quick guide to the society of Jane's era - here it is! We then discuss social mobility and what Jane made of that. Could Jane be understood as an author whose plots are about first impressions? We go on to draw out lessons for today, appoint a Darcy and Wickham of this episode, and then on to our Jane Austen news ..read more

Recorded on Jane Austen's birthday Julia and Kate turn our attention to the giving and receiving of presents! First we stop by Georgian Christmas traditions and then think about how Jane's presents are like bombs going off in the narrative. Stay tuned for the news and the Darcy and Wickham of the week ..read more

We've just come through a period of changing leaders, from the passing of Queen Elizabeth and the changing of Prime Ministers in the UK, to American midterm elections. What would Jane do when it comes to leaders? We look at the range of leaders in her time from royals to military, and then go on to think about her leading men (and ladies). Is the secret of why Mr Darcy is a character who gets into all our hearts because of his leadership qualities? Stay for Austen news including a new book from Julia Golding - a Middle Grade book, Jane Austen Investigates: The Convict's Canal, inspired by Prid ..read more

Were you delighted or outraged by the recent Netflix adaptation of Persuasion? Well then, this is the podcast for you to vent your views! Julia Golding and Kate Macfarlane take a look at the 18th century tradition of adaptations that Jane Austen herself would have known and in fact uses in her own writing. They then go on the discuss what was right (and wrong) about the 2022 Persuasion, comparing it to previous attempts in 2007 and 1995. Find out which one they think got it right. Do you agree? They then go on to discuss whether Sanditon is an adaptation, or indeed, anything to do with Jane Au ..read more

Recent events have brought war back to the forefront of our minds. Jane Austen lived during a period of almost constant war. It was the background to her life with a huge proportion of the population,  including two of her brothers, in the armed services. What was war like in her day? Kate Macfarlane joins Julia Golding to discuss this. Kate has impressive expert knowledge thanks to her time with the 33rd Foot Regiment, a re-enactment group. This really is a must-listen if you want the nitty-gritty details explaining army life. Is it fair to say Jane didn't address the war in her novels a ..read more