In this recording of a live online talk, Paula Hollingsworth discusses the life and works of the writer Hannah More (1745-1833)

Hannah lived an extraordinary life – as a teacher, playwright and poet, blue stocking and philanthropist. She was a close friend of Samuel Johnson and David Garrick, she founded schools all over Somerset, she was the most active woman in the Clapham Sect – the group of people who played a key role in the abolition of the slave trade. Jane Austen’s adult years spanned the years when Hannah was at the height of her fame. Though Jane’s references to Hannah in her letters are disparaging, they shared many values and ideals, and may well have met each other in Bath.

(Image: courtesy of Louisa Albani)