SPEAKING & EVENTS

Step Into Jane's World Through the Eyes of Her Family

Bring Jane Austen's World to Life for Your Audience

International speaker Caroline Jane Knight shares family stories, childhood memories from Chawton House, and authentic artifacts from Jane Austen's time—offering audiences an experience they can't get anywhere else.

Caroline presents in multiple formats to suit your venue and audience—from auditorium presentations and high tea events with artifact displays, to virtual programs reaching global audiences, and engaging school visits that inspire young readers.

An Experience Only Jane's Family Can Provide

Caroline Jane Knight isn't just another Jane Austen speaker. As Jane's fifth great-niece and the last to grow up at Chawton House, Caroline offers what no one else can: lived experience of Jane's world.

What sets Caroline's presentations apart:

✓ Authentic family heritage - Direct descendant sharing first-hand family stories passed down through fifteen generations

✓ Childhood at Chawton House - Personal memories of growing up where Jane lived, wrote, and published her greatest works

✓ Genuine artifacts - Caroline brings authentic pieces from her private collection, suitable for your event, venue and location:

  • The Wedgwood dinner service Jane accompanied her brother Edward to choose in 1813 and other family heirlooms Jane herself would have known

  • Family photographs, documents and letters

  • Antique Regency fashion (1775-1820) including gowns, accessories, and children's clothing

  • 19th-century editions of Pride and Prejudice

✓ International expertise - 150+ presentations across three continents at literary festivals, libraries, museums, universities, and cultural institutions

✓ Engaging storytelling - Caroline's warmth, wit, and natural storytelling bring Jane's world to life for audiences of all backgrounds

Austen Knight family heirlooms and artifacts 

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Signature Presentations

Caroline offers five signature presentations, each bringing different aspects of Jane Austen's life, legacy, and family heritage to life. All presentations can be adapted for in-person or virtual delivery and customized to your audience's interests.

Step into Caroline's extraordinary childhood at Chawton House, the ancestral estate where Jane Austen lived and wrote. From working in her grandmother's tearoom serving Austen enthusiasts worldwide to age-old family traditions, Caroline shares vivid memories of growing up in the heart of Jane's literary legacy.

Ideal for: Cultural centres, museums, libraries, Jane Austen enthusiasts, education settings and general audiences

2. Jane Austen: From Family Secret to Global Icon

Discover Jane Austen's remarkable transformation from a county clergyman's daughter to anonymous author to global literary phenomenon—told through the eyes of her family. Caroline traces Jane's creative journey, her publishing decisions, and the milestone events over 250 years that made her one of the world's most beloved authors.

Ideal for: Literary festivals, general audiences, education settings, Jane Austen enthusiasts, book clubs

3. Jane Austen and the Genealogy of Her Chawton Family

Chawton's 450-year Knight ownership appears seamless, but Caroline reveals surprising complexity: eight strategic successions, bloodlines broken twice, heirs changing surnames to Knight. The most famous succession—choosing Jane Austen's brother Edward—inadvertently created the conditions for literature's greatest works.

Ideal for: Historical societies, genealogy groups, academic audiences, heritage enthusiasts

4. While We Still Can: Preserving Jane Austen's Family Heritage

Caroline and her family hold irreplaceable memories and artifacts as the last generation to live at Chawton House. Discover why heritage preservation matters, what's at stake when living memory fades, and the work being done to safeguard Jane Austen's authentic family legacy for future generations.

Ideal for: Jane Austen lovers, museums, cultural institutions, preservation societies, philanthropic groups

5. The Rise and Fall of Jane Austen's Chawton and the English Great Estates

Journey through Chawton's 900-year history as Caroline reveals the systems—primogeniture, entails, heraldry—that built England's great estates and the forces that dismantled them. As the last generation to experience this tradition firsthand, Caroline shares how death duties, social upheaval, and family decisions shaped these estates' transformation.

Ideal for: Historical societies, heritage groups, academic institutions, social history audiences

1. My Austen Heritage: Growing Up in Jane's World

All presentations include:

  • Stunning photography and video footage of Chawton House and village

  • Family photographs from Caroline's private collection

  • Authentic artifacts and heirlooms woven into the presentation or displayed for close viewing

  • Stories and insights that exist nowhere else

  • Optional Q&A session

  • Meet-and-greet and book signing (in person events)

Presentation length: Typically 45-60 minutes plus optional 15-60 minute Q&A (flexible to your needs)

Event Formats: In Person, Virtual, or Education

Caroline offers three event formats designed to bring Jane's world to life for different audiences and settings. Each format includes her signature storytelling, family insights, and authentic artifacts—adapted to work beautifully whether you're hosting an in-person event, connecting virtually, or inspiring students in the classroom.

  • Experience Jane's World Face-to-Face

    There's nothing quite like experiencing Caroline's presentation in person. Audiences connect with the warmth of her storytelling, see authentic artifacts up close, and feel transported into Jane Austen's world.

    What makes in-person events special:

    ✓ Intimate audience connection - Caroline's natural warmth and storytelling creates an engaging, personal experience

    ✓ Artifact displays - Audiences can view authentic Regency fashion, 19th-century Pride and Prejudice editions, and family heirlooms up close (before or after the presentation)

    ✓ Meet and greet opportunities - Personal interaction with Caroline, perfect for book signings and photographs

    ✓ Full sensory experience - The visual impact of seeing Caroline present with projected images of Chawton House, family photographs, and the chance to examine genuine artifacts creates lasting memories

    ✓ Memorable for your members - In-person events create special occasions that attendees remember and talk about long afterward

    Perfect for: Literary festivals, libraries, museums, Jane Austen societies, private clubs, cultural centers, corporate events

    Optional enhancements:

    • Exhibition of Regency fashion collection (up to 6 gowns, gentleman's Banyan, children's clothing, accessories)

    • Display of up to 20+ antique Pride and Prejudice editions (1844-1920)

    • Extended Q&A or "In Conversation" format

    • Afternoon tea or reception with Caroline

  • Bring Jane's World to Your Global Audience

    Caroline's virtual presentations deliver the same engaging storytelling and visual richness as in-person events—accessible to audiences anywhere in the world.

    What makes virtual events work beautifully:

    ✓ Global accessibility - Reach members and audiences regardless of location, from Jane Austen lovers in Tokyo to book clubs in rural America

    ✓ Cost-effective - No travel expenses means more accessible pricing for organizations of all sizes

    ✓ High production quality - Professional presentation with stunning visuals of Chawton House, family photographs, and artifact close-ups

    ✓ Interactive Q&A - Audiences can ask questions via chat or audio, creating engaging dialogue

    ✓ Recording options - Many organizations choose to record the event for members who couldn't attend live (available upon request)

    ✓ Flexible scheduling - Easier to coordinate across time zones and organizational calendars

    Perfect for: International Jane Austen groups, book clubs, online literary communities, organizations with geographically dispersed members, libraries expanding their digital programming

    Technical requirements: Zoom, or similar platform (Caroline is experienced with all major platforms)

  • Inspire Young Readers with Jane Austen's Living Legacy

    Caroline brings Jane Austen to life for students in ways textbooks never could—connecting literary history to real family heritage and making the Regency period tangible through authentic artifacts.

    What makes Caroline's school visits exceptional:

    ✓ A real connection to Jane Austen - Students meet Jane's actual descendant, making literature come alive in an unforgettable way

    ✓ Authentic artifacts students can see - Genuine Regency fashion (gowns, bonnets, accessories), antique books, family photographs—bringing history out of textbooks and into the classroom

    ✓ Age-appropriate presentations - Content tailored to your students' level, from middle school to post graduate.

    ✓ Curriculum connections - Links to literature, history, social studies, women's studies, and creative writing programs

    ✓ Memorable experience for your community - A visit from Jane Austen's family creates a special event worth sharing in school newsletters, social media, and parent communications

    ✓ Inspires reading and writing - Students connect emotionally to Jane's story, often leading to increased interest in classic literature and creative writing

    What schools receive:

    • 15-60 minute presentation (flexible to your schedule)

    • Visual presentation with photographs and video

    • Display of authentic artifacts (before/after presentation or during if space allows)

    • Q&A session with students

    • Optional: Small group discussions with literature and/or history students

    • Materials for promotional use (bio, photos for newsletters/announcements)

    Perfect for: Private schools, independent schools, literature programs, English departments, history departments, special author visit programs

    Scheduling: Caroline is based in Australia and visits schools when in Melbourne. International school visits can be coordinated during her UK and US speaking tours (typically June-July for UK, varies for US - please inquire).

What Audiences and Organizers Say

"Caroline was the most popular speaker on our program and the first to sell out. It was so exciting to have a real-life connection to the great Jane Austen sharing family stories and heritage. Caroline is very knowledgeable and a wonderful storyteller, with the wit and warmth of Jane herself."

Pat Lerew, Chair of Jane Austen Regency Week

"It was an absolute honour to have Caroline as the speaker. Caroline is an engaging, warm and passionate speaker - when she spoke about walking the same places Jane would have walked and dining at the same table Jane would have sat, it was quite thrilling - you could have heard a pin drop!"

Mercia Chapman, Jane Austen Society President

"Caroline was excellent, informative, interesting and entertaining. I have a new perspective on Jane Austen." "This was very informative and it was nice to be able to speak to Caroline, she didn't just disappear and made the experience personal." "The Jane Austen talk was VERY interesting & Caroline is an excellent speaker. We were all kept very engaged & entertained."

Audience Feedback, Beleura House event

Create an Unforgettable Experience for Your Audience

Whether you're planning a literary festival, library program, school visit, museum exhibition, public event, or private gathering, Caroline creates a meaningful connection between your audience and Jane Austen's world.

How it works:

  1. Submit an inquiry - Tell us about your event using the form

  2. We'll respond within 48 hours - With availability and next steps

  3. Confirm details - Date, format, logistics, and any special requests

  4. Promote your event - We'll provide promotional materials (bio, photos, suggested copy)

  5. Deliver an exceptional experience - Caroline brings Jane's world to life for your audience

Ready to bring Jane Austen's family heritage to your audience?

International Availability

Caroline is based in Australia and available for international events year-round. She visits the UK annually in June-July (including Jane Austen Regency Week in Chawton) and makes ad hoc visits to the U.S.—offering opportunities to coordinate multiple events.

Virtual events can be scheduled year-round to accommodate any time zone.

Questions? Email caroline@austenheritage.com and we'll be happy to discuss your event.