Sidmouth 29 June 1801
My dearest Cassandra
We arrived at our summer abode today
after an uneventful journey from dusty Bath to the village of Newton St Cyres,
a few miles north of Exeter, where we lodged the night. The fine river valley
holds promise of many delightful river walks which together with the local
mansion would make a fine setting for scenes in “Elinor and Marianne”*.
Next morning we descended the valley to
Sidmouth and passed through the streets of the old fishing village which
contain little more than humble cottages. Our spirits rose at the sight of the
sea, sparkling in sunshine and freshness. Having settled in our lodgings we
discovered, on walking out and as we had informed by Mrs Cage, that the new
improvements of Bath had arrived: Sidmouth is already a rising bathing place,
growing the fashion. A grand terrace, not yet completed, has been erected on an
eminence near the sea front, while, proudly elevated on the western hillside
and commanding a grand prospect, a new residence called “Sea View” has been
built. Our landlady, Mrs Parker, later informed us that this belonged to a
wealthy gentleman, Mr Lousada, who is intent on further projects to attract
gentlemen and ladies drawn to the benefits of healthy sea air and bathing. Mrs
Parker anticipates the probability of its becoming a most profitable
speculation. You will say that every age has its “improvements”*, though not
always such as you, Fanny or I will approve. We saw, also, evidence of the
recent absurd fashion for cottages ornées, those rural retreats for the
excessively wealthy, at Blossom House and Clifton Cottage near the sea – a
fashion that will no doubt soon spread up the nearby woodland valleys whose
knolls will offer more grand prospects. Perhaps, after I have done further work
on “First Impressions”* and “Elinor and Marianne”, all this may serve as a
subject for another novel*.
Tomorrow we hope to descend to the beach
and the bathing machines to enjoy some sea bathing. Mother is well as is
father. Best love to everybody.
Yours very affectionately, J Austen
(editor's
fottnotes: “Elinor and Marianne” -
later called “Sense and Sensibility”
“Every age has its improvements” - see
“Mansfield Park”
“First Impressions” - later called “Pride
and Prejudice”
“another novel” - “Sanditon”)
See also:
Sidmouth: Where Jane Austen found love (?) | Jane Austen's World
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