A new interactive online map is giving residents and Jane Austen enthusiasts a fresh way to explore Bath’s literary heritage.
The Directory of Jane Austen’s Bath brings together 57 locations linked to Austen, her life in the city and the fictional worlds of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Free to access online, it includes six houses where Austen lived, 31 locations connected to characters in the two novels, and a range of other sites featured in or associated with her work.
Alongside famous landmarks such as the Assembly Rooms, the directory highlights lesser-known locations including the Octagon Chapel, Charles Street and St Swithin’s Church, as well as Union Passage, Lansdown Road and Westgate Buildings.
The project was created by writer, tour guide and Austen enthusiast Kit Sadgrove, who lives near Bath.
Kit Sadgrove said: “There are plenty of books and websites about Jane Austen in Bath, but I wanted to create something that lets you see all the relevant places together.
“You can look at the map, choose a location and find out why it matters. Some of the most interesting places aren’t the famous ones. Jane and her characters moved through streets, shops, churches, houses and public buildings across the city, and the directory helps put those places back into their geographical setting.”
Each entry explains a location’s connection to Austen and suggests related places to explore. Users can browse entries alphabetically, follow themed trails or navigate using the interactive map.
Kit Sadgrove is also inviting residents, historians and Austen enthusiasts to contribute corrections or additional information.
The Directory of Jane Austen’s Bath can be viewed free at: wessexexperiences.com/directory-jane-austens-bath