A special evensong will be given at St Nicholas Church in Chawton to celebrate both Gilbert White and Jane Austen on the 20th of July.

Gilbert White is not often associated with the village of Chawton, but he knew it well, and often gave sermons to the community at St. Nicholas in the late 18th Century. In fact, White preached at Chawton in July 1775, the year Jane Austen was born 250 years ago.

To celebrate White’s 305th birthday on the 18th of July and Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary year; Gilbert White’s House & Gardens will be partnering with St. Nicholas Church for a special evensong celebrating the two writers and their link to the church and Chawton.

The date has a special significance Gilbert White will turn 305 on the 18th July and the 18th July is also Austen’s death date.

The service will include extracts from one of the sermons White performed at Chawton during Austen’s lifetime, and Austen’s prayers. The service will be accompanied by Madding Crowd for some traditional and joyful accompaniment.

The Madding Crowd are also offering a music workshop from 2.30pm for anyone who would like to come along and learn about the church music of the time and to have the opportunity to learn to sing. The settings will all be contemporary with both Gilbert White and Jane Austen. Their musicians play with equally period-appropriate instruments.

The Evensong at St. Nicholas Church, Chawton begins at 5:30pm and everyone is welcome.