Young Roots
Alton Sixth Form College students worked with Wessex Heritage Trust’s Edge Project to harness modern technology to help fans literally follow in the footsteps of Austen, her family and friends.
From the town of Alton to Chawton House, where Austen lived while writing novels including Pride & Prejudice and Emma, the app uses GPS to highlight locations of historic significance, such as shops, an inn and the church where Austen's brother and mother lie buried.
In order to complete their research the students were given exclusive access to five local museums and Hampshire County Archives. Alton Chamber of Commerce supported the work.
Ian Smith, Director of Development, Wessex Heritage Trust, said: “This project was one of our most successful partnerships to date… It also engaged the young people in their own local history and delivered a sense of pride, nicely mixing modern-day technology with local history [and] working with local people and the town’s heritage outlets.
"Through the support of funding the young students of Alton now have a greater appreciation of their own history and community.”