When did Jane Austen die, what books did she write and why’s the author on the new £10 note?
THE new £10 note honours Jane Austen, the only woman beside the Queen to appear on Britain's current crop of currency.
But how much do you know about the author who's one of the world's most celebrated writers?
Who is Jane Austen?
Jane Austen was an English novelist with a raft of literary hits.
She was born in Hampshire in 1775, and wrote about the state of society around the turn of the 19th century, particularly with regard to the role of women.
Her novels often feature harsh put-downs of the way British society used to be run, with especially strong views on the aristocratic ruling class.
She published most of her works anonymously, so she didn't get much recognition when they were first released.
But after she died, Jane Austen's novels were republished in her name, earning her praise throughout the literary world.
She was commemorated on the new £10 note to mark the 200th anniversary of her death.
When did Jane Austen die?
Jane Austen died at the young age of 41, after suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma, a potentially-fatal cell disease.
She ignored her symptoms for years, ploughing on with her writing and channelling all of her dwindling energy into her novels.
The disease took her life on July 18, 1817 - 200 years to the day before the Bank of England would announce the launch date of her £10 notes.
What books did Jane Austen write?
Jane Austen published a series of six major novels, many of which have since become household names.
Her first major work, Sense and Sensibility, was published in 1811, with Pride and Prejudice following in 1813.
The following year, she published Mansfield Park, before releasing Emma in 1815.
Two additional novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, were published after her death.
She also left a half-finished work, titled Sanditon, behind when she died.
Where is the Jane Austen museum?
can be found in Chawton, Hampshire.
It is the only house where the famous author lived and wrote, and is now completely open to the public.
The museum offers visitors the chance to learn all about Jane Austen's life and works, with the writer's possessions and original drafts still on display.
Why is Jane Austen on the new £10 note?
The reasoning behind Jane Austen's inclusion on the new tenners was announced by Bank of England Governor Mark Carney.
He said: "Jane Austen certainly merits a place in the select group of historical figures to appear on our banknotes.
"Her novels have an enduring and universal appeal and she is recognised as one of the greatest writers in English literature.
“As Austen joins Adam Smith, Boulton and Watt, and in future, Churchill, our notes will celebrate a diverse range of individuals who have contributed in a wide range of fields.”
The new £10 note came into circulation on September 14, 2017.
