A school librarian who discovered she is a descendant of Jane Austen’s family is offering the opportunity for other descendants to meet up and celebrate the author’s 250th birthday with afternoon tea on Tuesday 16 December 2025 at The Abbey School in Reading.
Joanne Wenman discovered she was descended from Thomas Austen from Horsmonden in Kent, an ancestor she shares with the author. “Although we are only distantly related, this genealogical connection is so valuable to me in a way that only Jane Austen devotees or genealogy enthusiasts would understand. Now that I’m researching the Austens in Horsmonden, I realise that I must be one of hundreds, if not thousands, of people who have discovered their shared ancestry with Jane Austen and want to know more!”
With the literary world preparing to celebrate the 250th birthday of one of the greatest authors in the English language, Wenman felt that it was the perfect opportunity to connect with others who have discovered a family connection.
As well as her family links to the author, Wenman works as a librarian at The Abbey School in Reading, named after a school in Reading that Jane Austen attended from the summer of 1785 to the winter of 1786. The school has agreed to host the event for free and Wenman is arranging a guest speaker.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is, perhaps, after Shakespeare, the most popular and beloved author in the literary canon,” says Wenman, “Therefore, are there others out there like me, distantly or not so distantly related to Jane, who would like to meet up and connect with the various branches of Jane’s family tree? Could that be you? Do you know anybody with Austen ancestry who would be interested in getting together to celebrate Jane and mark her 250th anniversary this year?”
If you are interested in attending or would like further details, you can contact Joanne Wenman via wenmanjo@theabbey.co.uk.
JANE AUSTEN LUNCH EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday 16 December 2025
Time: 12.30pm to 3pm afternoon tea provided (FREE, registration required)
Guest speaker: TBC
Venue: The Abbey School, Kendrick road, Reading, RG1 7RP (30 minutes from London, Paddington by train)
RSVP: wenmanjo@theabbey.co.uk
