Unbelievably, the British Library has REMOVED Jane Austen's hand-written manuscripts from display. When asked, they said, 'Well, they've been continuously on display for over fifteen years.'

Shakespeare's still there. Jane Austen? You can whistle for her.

This is, quite frankly, outrageous. Austen, in common with Shakespeare, is non-negotiable. There are visitors to the British Library every year - though probably particularly spring and summer - who come PRIMARILY to see the famous Austen exhibits. Some of these fans can perhaps afford to come to London very rarely - meaning that they'll be even more disappointed than Londoners such as myself.

PETITION:

We believe that the British Library should dig every Austen manuscript out of mothballs and have at least ONE of these on permanent display. (If too short of space, they should allow them to be exhibited at her home in Chawton in 2025.)

With grateful thanks for your support, 

Alice (McVeigh)