WINCHESTER Cathedral has released details of events and activities throughout the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen, who was buried in the north aisle on July 24 1817.

Through a programme of special events held throughout the year the cathedral honours Hampshire’s favourite author with concerts, lectures, tours, exhibitions and services.

The Jane Austen Story is a permanent exhibition which was installed in 2010, telling the story of Jane’s life in Hampshire, her time in Steventon and Chawton and, ultimately, the final few weeks in Winchester before her death.

This summer only (mid-May to the end of September), an additional exhibition will be added displaying artefacts from Jane’s life including poems and first editions and, in June and July, the burial register containing her name.

The cathedral will also be taking part in Inspired by the word, a multi-visual arts exhibition by contemporary artist celebrating the literature of Hampshire in venues across the county. Needless to say, the Cathedral will be focusing on Jane Austen amongst others. Visitors will come across sculpture, letter carving and other exhibits as they explore the building, prompting moments of reflection about the author.

The sculptures in Sitting with Jane are all benches – each shaped like an open book – which will also be located at venues across Hampshire. The uniquely designed bench by University of Winchester Artist in Residence, Amy Goodman, will allow visitors to ‘sit with Jane’ from June 15 to July 31.

Talks are by two Michaels. Rev Michael Kenning (June 27, 7pm), a life-long Austen fan who was also Rector of Steventon, Jane’s father’s own church, from 1992-2010. Entitled ‘Regulated and Checked by religion’ he will use a quote from Sense and Sensibility to explore how the Christian Faith played an important part in Jane’s life. Professor Michael Wheeler (July 21, 2.30pm), author of the Cathedral’s guide Jane Austen, will look at how a comparatively obscure spinster came to be buried in a Cathedral which houses the bones of Saxon kings, saints and bishops.

There will be various performances along the way with a Jane Austen theme. Pride and Prejudice needs no introduction, and will be performed in the Cathedral Close by acclaimed outside theatre company, Illyria, who make a welcome return to Winchester. Performances are on June 28, 29 and 30 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14 from the Box Office.

A lunchtime recital on July 18 at 1pm offers music which Jane would probably have heard on period instruments (including a square piano) performed by the appropriately named Jane Austen Trio. A similar concert on a rather larger scale will take place at 7pm on Friday July 21 as part of the Southern Cathedrals Festival, when music will include part-songs and glees from the Jane Austen Part Books along with piano music played on a 1795 Broadwood.

Of course the climax of the events surrounds the Jane’s death and burial. On the actual anniversary of her death, July 18, there will be a special Anniversary Evensong with music sung by the Cathedral Choir and contributions from invited guests. Free tickets are from the Box Office.

Then, on the anniversary of her burial, Monday July 24, there will be a commemorative funeral procession which will leave the house on College Street from whose windows her sister Cassandra saw as ‘her dear sister left her forever as the procession turned the corner to enter The Close’ to her grave in the cathedral, a place of ‘pilgrimage’ for many visitors from far and wide. Places are limited and £5 tickets are available from the Box Office.

Throughout the period from mid-May to the end of September, there will be a Book of Memories, in which visitors will be able to contribute to a last legacy to the anniversary with personal thoughts of what Jane’s life and work has meant to them.