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Jane Austen's will
Jane Austen was at home at Chawton in Hampshire when she wrote her will on 27th April 1817. She was ill with what is now thought to have been Addison's disease, a rare hormonal disorder. Just days later, she moved to Winchester to be nearer to her doctor. She died on 18th July 1817 and was buried in the cathedral at Winchester.
Jane Austen was one of Britain's greatest novelists. Her works ('Pride and Prejudice', 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Emma') achieved widespread acclaim during her lifetime and they have been popular ever since.
At her death, her total assets were valued at under £800. In her will, she left nearly everything to her sister, Cassandra, who nursed Jane through the last illness. Unfortunately, the will was not signed by witnesses. In order for it to be proved as hers, two friends had to swear in a written statement that they had known Jane Austen for years and recognised her handwriting.
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