Jane Austen, Francis Austen, and John Butler-Harrison black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: JANE AUSTEN Author: 1775-1817 DOLPHIN HOTEL It is said that Jane celebrated her 18th birthday here in the ballroom of the Dolphin on 16 December 1793 with her brother Frank. Jane was staying with her cousins, the Butler-Harrisons, in St Mary's Street. John Butler-Harrison was twice Mayor of Southampton. When she was living in Southampton in the winter of 1808/09, according to Jane's letters, she attended two other dances at the Dolphin ballroom, a beautiful bow-windowed room on the first floor. Recorded plaque organisation: City of Southampton.

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an influential English novelist known for her witty social commentary and insightful portrayals of 18th-century gentry life; Francis Austen was Jane's brother who served in the Royal Navy, while John Butler-Harrison, a local notable and twice Mayor of Southampton, was related to the Austens by marriage.