After the postal museum I stopped into a few of my favorite shops as I made my way over to the Jane Austen Centre. We've passed this museum to Jane Austen's 5 years in Bath many times and often seen the man at the door in Regency Dress but we've never visited the museum, shop or tea rooms. On entering the JAC one has a short informative talk by a member of staff who speaks about Austen's family and life and her time in Bath. Apparently she visited Bath for a few short stays in her teens and early twenties when she enjoyed the shopping and Assembly rooms. However, she disliked moving to Bath when her father retired and remaining, in reduced circumstances, when he died. She lived in Bath for only 5 years but found the city a hindrance to her creativity and did not write until once again located in the country. Feeling similarly frustrated with Bristol I felt a bit of a connection to Austen, although I absolutely love Bath and find it a welcome distraction from Bristol. After the talk we walked through the displays of Bath regency life and a short video about Austen's Bath connections. Then it was up to the third floor for tea and a tea cake in The regency tea rooms which were charming but I still prefer the infamous Sally Lunn's.
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