Earlier Houses: There was at least one earlier house on, or near, the site of the current house.

House & Family History: Chawton's recorded history begins in the "Domesday Book"of 1086. A royal manor house flourished here in the 13th century, when the owner, John St. John, served as deputy to Edward I in Scotland. The descendants of John Knight, who built the present Chawton House at the time of the Armada (1588), added to it and modifed the landscape in ways that reflect changes in politics, religion, and taste. One of those descendants was Elizabeth Knight, whose progresses were marked by the ringing of church bells and whose two husbands both had to adopt her surname. Later in the 18th century Jane Austen's brother Edward (who had been adopted by the Knights) succeeded, and in 1809 was able to move his mother and sisters to a cottage in the village, now Jane Austen's House.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. II, p. 126, 1855.

Country Life: XIII, 874, 1903. XCVII, 200, 244, 1945.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: John St. John, 13th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: John Knight, 16th century; Edward Austen Knight, 1797-1852; Knight family here from the 16th century until 1987.

Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01420-541-010

Fax: 01420-542-680

Website: https://chawtonhouse.org

Historic Houses Member: No