A Sion College Seminar Supper with Dr Paula Byrne

Jane Austen and the clergy

Thursday 12th March, 2026 – 7 for 7:30pm (please do not arrive before 7pm)

Byward Kitchen & Bar, Byward St, London EC3R 5BJ

Jane Austen was an English novelist best known for her six novels that offer sharp yet understated commentary on the English landed gentry at the close of the eighteenth century. Her narratives often centre on women’s dependence on marriage as a means of securing both social position and financial well-being.

We are delighted that Dr Paula Byrne will be our speaker. Paula is a bestselling biographer, author and literary critic. Her doctorate focused on Jane Austen and the theatre, and her biographies since have ranged from the 18th actor and poet Mary Robinson to the witty observations of Barbara Pym. S

She has been living for a few years in the US, but since returning to the UK, she has spoken at many literary festivals, including those at Yeovil, Derby, and Cheltenham.

If you have not yet registered for online payment you will be asked to do this and your registration will need to be validated by the Administrator before you can use the facility. You will only need to register once, and for any applications for subsequent events you will need only to log in. Payment is taken by PayPal, but you do not need a PayPal account. 

Please note

• Successful applicants will be sent further information by by Wednesday 25th February, 2026
• Cancellations after Wednesday 4th March will not be refunded
• Applicants are expected to attend the whole event and not to arrive before 7pm
• Attendees will be expected to honour any food choices submitted in advance
• It is Sion College policy that no events are recorded

Sion College events are often over-subscribed and each place is generously subsidised. If you are offered a place but are unable to attend for any reason, please let the office know so that your place may be offered to another. In the event of failure to attend without notice after being reserved a place, the Court will require a refund of the subsidy. Application for a place at any Sion event constitutes acceptance of this proviso.

Event Details