During the 18th century, Jane Austen’s aunt, Jane Leigh Perrot, was embroiled in a notorious shoplifting scandal that shook the town of Bath. Accused of stealing a card of white lace, Leigh Perrot found herself awaiting trial under the roof of the governor of Ilchester Gaol and his bustling family - a far cry from the refined world of her famous niece’s novels.
Her letters revealed dismay at the chaotic household, filled with ten children and a cacophony of daily life. Despite her high social standing, Leigh Perrot’s time with the Scadding family proved to be a challenging experience in its own right.
As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Ilchester Museum delves into this captivating episode, shedding light on Leigh Perrot’s arduous eight-month stay with the Scaddings. Visitors can explore the museum to learn the outcome of her trial at Taunton Assizes, unveiling the dramatic conclusion to this gripping saga.
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Nestled in the High Street, the one-room Ilchester Museum offers an immersive journey through over 2,000 years of local history. From the ancient Iron Age enclosure to the town’s Roman era, medieval prominence, and the scandal that spelled the end for the gaol, the museum paints a vivid portrait of Ilchester’s rich past.
For those eager to immerse themselves in history, the museum welcomes visitors on Wednesdays from April to October (10am-3pm) and on the last Saturday of each month during the same period (11am-3pm).