Posted by Kali on September 02, 1997 at 16:39:24:
In reply to Highbury posted by Theresa on September 02, 1997 at 11:31:39
Can anyone give me a good source for information about the community and business structure and appearance for a town such as Highbury? It was supposed to be located in Surrey and the book does mention key places--The Crowne, Fords, Mrs. Goddard's school, Donwell Abby, etc.. I'd like to better understand the social and business structure of such a place. I've wondered if Donwell Abby was an old monastary given as an award to the Knightly family after the conquest. Where do the Woodhouse's get their money. They seem located so close to the business district--closer than any other key home place in Austen's other novels that I can recall.
Caroline Evans is an expert on "Home County" villages...she may be able to shed some light on the subject. As for the Abbey theory, I think you're pretty much on the money - probably a land grant from the King to some ancestor of the Knightleys upon the abolition of Roman Catholic orders in England. As for Hartfield's location, it's supposed to be very close to town yet slightly separate...maintaining it's distance from the unstately bustle of village (or town!) life...;-)
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