Lectures in the Loft Winter Spring Programme
Loft lecture with Jenny Stevens.
2025 saw the 250th anniversary of Jane’s birth in Steventon, North Hampshire. Born into Georgian Britain, synonymous in many people’s minds with a time of revolution (Industrial and political) it marked a turning point in Britain and Europe’s history. As with most periods of history we know far more about the diet of the wealthier members of society, this was the period of the rise of the middle class after all and Jane’s writings add some clues about the daily diets of those in her circle (although rarely of poorer members of society). With the influence of French cooking and ingredients arriving from as far away as India, was it time for the English to give up their pottage, puddings and roast beef?
An archaeologist by training, BA Hons from Reading University & MA from Leicester University, Jenny has been in the Heritage Industry for over 30 years. During that time, she has had a number of roles, including, Community Archaeologist in Lincolnshire, Keeper of Archaeology in Portsmouth and Museum Curator for Hampshire Museum Service, now known as Hampshire Cultural Trust.
During her time as a Curator she managed Andover Museum & The Museum of the Iron Age, Rockbourne Roman Villa, Aldershot Military Museum and The Willis Museum in Basingstoke. She ran the latter for 14 years, being responsible for the day to day running of the venue as well as collections care and programming.
Light refreshments included.
