Christopher Herbert, former Bishop of St Albans, explores the colourful life of Jane Austen's brother, literary agent and adviser

If it hadn't been for Henry, Jane Austen's brother, it is unlikely that any of her novels would have seen the light of day. He was her literary agent and her adviser. She relied on his financial acumen to negotiate contracts with her publishers. He also had a colourful life in his own right: Oxford graduate, soldier, Regimental Paymaster, banker, tax collector, and man-about-town. And then came a mighty crash. His bank failed. He lost everything. What was he to do?

This lecture will explore his colourful life and its surprising denouement.

Christopher Herbert, former Bishop of St Albans (1995-2009), was born in Gloucestershire and educated at Monmouth School, St David's College, Lampeter, the University of Bristol, and Wells Theological College. He has an MPhil and PhD from the University of Leicester, and honorary doctorates from the Universities of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. In retirement in Farnham, he has written several books on local history. His most recent publication is a biography of Henry Austen, Jane Austen's brother.

This lecture will be available in person at Dagnall Street Baptist Church and also online via Zoom. Attendance is free to SAHAAS members; £5 for non-members.

Please click on the button above right to register. You will then receive confirmation of your registration by email return. Registration closes at 3.30pm on Tuesday 6 October.

All those registered will be emailed the Zoom joining instructions by 4pm on the day of the lecture. If you have not received this by 5pm, please contact us using the email address below. NB. If you are registering two or more members to attend via Zoom, and want each of them to receive the link in their own email inbox, these details need to be entered at registration.

It is important to note that SAHAAS operates hybrid talks relying on two volunteers who work very hard behind-the-scenes on the technology to ensure we can offer this service to those unable to attend at the church. Occasionally despite our best efforts technology works against us. There may be a delay in acknowledging an issue but this is only because we are working out how to resolve it.

If you have any questions, please email Imogen de la Bere via lectures.sahaas@gmail.com

Image above: from the cover of Jane Austen's Favourite Brother, Henry (Pen and Sword Books, 2025)

Description supplied by the event organiser.