Book auction emphasises the important connection between Longford and Jane Austen

As we are coming to the end of 2025 and the 250th anniversary year of the birth of the novelist Jane Austen, it is a good time to reflect on her connections to Longford.

These connections played a major role in the life of the author. In January 1796 Thomas Lefroy on a visit to his relatives at Ashe, Hampshire met with Jane who was staying there at the time. Lefroy, from Carigglass Manor near Longford town, caught the eye of the young Jane. The relationship was brief, but was said to have had a lasting impact on Jane, who wrote of him in her letters to her sister, Catherine.

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It is universally accepted that Tom was the inspiration for the character of Darcy in Austen’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’, who is one of the most iconic romantic characters in literary fiction.

The connections to Longford were not to end with this relationship, following the publication of Austen’s novel ‘Emma’ she instructed her publisher to send a copy to her favourite author Maria Edgeworth in Edgeworthstown.

The connection was reignited this week when these two volumes of 'Emma' were offered for sale by Sotheby’s New York. The auction was notified by the Maria Edgeworth Centre to the 'Longford Leader' as it is another piece of evidence of Maria and Jane's ongoing friendship.

The two volumes made a hammer price of $279, 400 on the back of Maria Edgeworth’s signature.

The staff at the Maria Edgeworth Centre, followed the sale with envy as they would have loved to have seen these items of great national significance return to Ireland and preferably to Edgeworthstown. The Centre are always on the look out for items associated with Maria Edgeworth and her family but unfortunately when they do come on the market they fetch astronomical money. Incidentally this sale follows on from an auction of some of her letters and note books that sold for in excess of €200,000 by the Cotswold Auction Company in Cheltenham. The lots were acquired by the National Library of Ireland and Jerseys Princeton University Library.

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Longford has a rich history of writers like Padraic Colum, Oliver Goldsmith and Maria Edgeworth; all three who receive a festival sporadically throughout the year. Yet, having one of the most historically revered authors linked to the county through her correspondence and friendship retains the historical importance of the county.

The Maria Edgeworth Centre are proud to have on display a number of signed letters, books and manuscripts signed by Maria Edgeworth, her family and connections. The Centre is open to visitors six days a week and is well worth a visit for any literary enthusiasts.