LONDON (RNS) — She was buried there because she was the daughter of a rector — but now the English Regency novelist Jane Austen may prove to be the savior of a cathedral emerging from its own Austen-worthy drama.
Literary fans have long flocked to Winchester, England, and its medieval cathedral to visit the grave of Austen, famed for such novels as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility.” This year marks the 250th anniversary of the writer’s birth, and the Winchester Cathedral has organized a series of events, from church services to afternoon teas, talks and even a Regency ball.
The Austen anniversary will surely prove a steady source of income for a church running on a deficit — but just as well, the celebrations may offer a much-needed diversion from the social troubles besetting the congregation in southern England.
Amid the numerous announcements for Austen-related events on the cathedral’s website, tucked away in a line about worship, is a mention of another event: A farewell for the Cathedral’s outgoing dean, planned for Palm Sunday (April 13).
Catherine Ogle stepped down in March following a report that revealed “particularly bad behavior” among the staff and leadership of the Norman Cathedral, which is also resting place to William II, son of William the Conqueror.
After months of accusations, complaints by members of the congregation and protests, the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt. Rev. Philip Mounstephen, ordered a review into what was going on there, particularly claims of bullying of the cathedral’s famous choir, winner of a Grammy Award last year for a soundtrack to a Star Wars video game.
People mingle outside Winchester Cathedral in Winchester, England. (Photo courtesy Pixabay/Creative Commons)
The full review has never been published, but last month a summary was publicly released that included allegations of “significant failures” in culture and leadership, as well as the aforementioned bad behavior.
Caught up in this congregational dispute was the precentor, Canon Andy Trenier, brought in during 2020 to oversee the cathedral’s music and, according to the review, “bring change by delivering a new music strategy,” though the substance of this strategy was not made clear. After the long-serving assistant director of music, George Castle, was made redundant in 2021, half of the dozen lay clerk members of the choir quit, and last year the celebrated director of music, Andrew Lumsden, also departed.
After the dean and chapter refused to explain what was going on, outraged members of the congregation started an ecclesiastical strike, refusing to receive Communion, leading the bishop to order his inquiry. It concluded that people had been “in extreme pain,” and Dean Ogle resigned.
Meanwhile, the interim dean, the Rev. Canon Dr. Roland Riem, who was previously canon residentiary, began his term of office with his own mea culpa, issuing a statement upon his appointment, apologizing for “my part in the dysfunction of (the) chapter,” while promising to help the Cathedral “move forward into a healthy settled future.”
“Right now, we’re in a process of healing and reconciliation and doing our best to rebuild trust in the community,” Riem told RNS this week. “We understand that people with strong views and motivated by high ideals may not always act prudently. Now it is about working collaboratively with common purpose, to achieve common ends.”
A memorial to author Jane Austen in Winchester Cathedral. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia/Creative Commons)
Some of that purpose is celebrating Austen — and the celebrations should bring more visitors and more income. The Cathedral, which attracts around 300,000 visitors in an average year, showed an income in 2023 of 4.249 million pounds (about $5.5 million) — well exceeded by that year’s 4.471 million pounds (about $5.8 million) in expenses.
Born in 1775, Austen was the daughter of an Anglican rector and began writing when she was just 11 years old. Known for her social commentary, wit and irony, Austen is now considered one of English literature’s greats, but during her lifetime she only enjoyed limited success with “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility,” “Emma” and “Persuasion.” She wrote of the world she knew, where women were dependent on marriage for economic security and the Church was an all-important institution.
Austen died in 1817 and is buried in the north aisle of the cathedral’s nave. At the direction of her brothers George and Henry, her burial place mentions only her qualities as a Christian gentlewoman rather than her literary genius. As part of the 250th anniversary celebrations, a statue of Austen is to be installed close to the cathedral. Sculptor Martin Jennings, creator of the statue that will be unveiled later this year, has said he was inspired by the moral vision present in her writings.
“Not only was she a practicing Christian but also her writing is built on the foundations of morality and the concept of Christian virtue,” said Riem. “Austen wasn’t afraid to expose hypocrisy or pretension. Clergy are portrayed in various ways — some are heroes, some are villains. Austen’s vision is that there is a moral way through the trials and vicissitudes of life that brings satisfaction and reward.”
As to the trials and vicissitudes of life at Winchester Cathedral: It now has an interim director of music, with recruitment for a new permanent one starting in the autumn, and the lay clerks will be restored to the full complement of 12 by the autumn. Another new strategy for music is expected, this time led by the director of music and Riem. As to the precentor, Andy Trenier, who was brought in to devise the last one and appeared to cause the uproar that led to the bishop’s report, Riem said he is “currently not at work.”
Riem’s new strategy, he says, will be based on “excellence, affordability and participation.”