home to the forgotten austen brothers

Two members of the Austen family lived here in this quiet little hamlet of Monk Sherborne, close to Basingstoke.

Thomas Leigh was the brother of Mrs Austen and Mr Leigh-Perrot. He was sent there as a young boy around 1750 and lived out his whole life privately and quietly with the Cullum family.

Some years later, around 1773, his nephew - Mrs Austen's son, George, went to live with him there too.

Both Thomas and George had developmental difficulties,  and lived long lives with the Cullums.  Money was provided for their keep by Mr Leigh-Perrot, (then later James Austen) who paid for Thomas, whilst Mrs Austen, (and later Edward Austen Knight), contributed the costs for George.

Thomas Leigh died first, in December 1821, aged 74. 

George Austen died in January 1838, aged 72.

all saints church

burial place of George and Thomas Austen

Map

Both men were buried in the churchyard of All Saints Church in the village, both in unmarked graves and both with the occupation of 'gentleman' recorded on their death certificates.

Photos: All Saints Church, Monk Sherborne

If you are interested in learning more about George Austen and his care, there is an excellent article written by Price Grisham for JASNA's Persuasions Online entitled, The Two Adopted Austens.  You can read it here.

Historian Peter Marshall, also provides many interesting details about the Cullum family in his research for 'Looking for George Austen at Monk Sherborne', which is available here on the Hampshire Archives Trust website.

extract

If you would like to read an extract from The Austens of Chawton where the events take place in Portsmouth, click here.