Local historian: Sidmouth, Jane Austen and ITV's Sanditon

Your historian sees that ITV has just started screening the second series of Sanditon, which is an adaptation of Jane Austen's popular but unfinished novel written sadly before she died in 1817.

It's easy to see why so many people believe that it was her stay in Sidmouth during the summer of 1801 that was her inspiration behind the book.

The story is set in a small, unpretentious fishing village which was undergoing a transformation into an up-and-coming seaside resort, and this is exactly what was happening in Sidmouth at around the same time.

Up-and-coming Sidmouth (Sidmouth Long Print)

On her arrival in Sidmouth, Jane wrote to her sister Cassandra, claiming that Sidmouth was already a rising bathing place and growing in fashion.

She speaks of the wealthy Mr Lousanda of Peak House, who had built himself a property by the sea (Sea View), which was situated in what is now Connaught Gardens.

Jane claims that Mr Lousanda was intent on other projects which would draw ladies and gentlemen into the town to enjoy the benefits of the healthy sea air.

Postcard showing bathing machines, Sidmouth

She also mentions using the town's bathing machines and the newly built but uncompleted grand terrace (Fortfield Terrace).

She finishes her letter "all of which may serve me well as the subject of a further novel".

Image from Sidmouth Long Print

You can watch Sanditon on ITV Hub here.

More by Graham Symington:

The history of the now-demolished Blackmore Hall

The history of Sidmouth's Connaught Gardens

A dancing bear, girls of bad character and smuggling: The history of Sidmouth's The Old Ship Inn