Southampton's Maritime Tales and the Enduring Charm of Jane Austen
What a journey it's been! Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to devise a series of historical walks for the University of Southampton's Maritime Britain research project, focusing on the fascinating period between 1588 and 1770. Southampton, with its rich maritime heritage, served as a prime case study, and I developed three distinct routes: The Elizabethans, The Stuarts and The Georgians.
A Georgian stroll amidst the Jane Austen 250 celebrations
The photo captures a moment at the conclusion of one such walk – the Georgian tour. This particular walk seamlessly wove in with this year’s Jane Austen 250 celebrations, marking 250 years since her birth in 1775. It's truly a landmark year for Austen enthusiasts, with events and festivities happening across the country, highlighting her enduring legacy. It was a privilege to guide a full tour group, sharing insights into Southampton's past during a pivotal era, and connecting it to the world of Jane Austen, who herself had ties to the city. Standing with me in the picture are Professor Craig Lambert and Associate Professor John McAleer, the brilliant minds leading this significant research project at the University.
A mark of excellence in guiding
Also in the photo, you will spot a rather well-travelled photocard! This isn't just any photocard, it's the Blue Badge Tourist Guide photocard, a true symbol of quality and excellence in tourist guiding across England, Northern Ireland and Jersey. To earn this photocard, guides like myself undergo an incredibly rigorous selection process and intensive training over 12 to 18 months, achieving the highest tourist guiding qualification awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. It also indicates that I am a member of the Institute, the leading regulator and standard-setting body for professional tourist guides. You can check my guiding credentials on the Institute’s Register of Guides here
Why is it so significant? As Blue Badge Tourist Guides we possess an in-depth knowledge of our region, we are highly skilled in heritage and cultural interpretation, often having exclusive intel on major heritage sites. We don’t just recite facts; we bring history and culture to life, tailoring our tours to individual interests, ensuring a memorable and personalised experience. So, when you see this photocard, you know you're in the hands of a true professional.
Thanks to Miss Austen, this photocard has seen quite a few outings this year. It's been incredibly busy! Beyond these historical walks, my year has been packed with author events, and the demanding, yet rewarding, task of arranging and speaking at conferences. And believe it or not, the year is far from over!
The buzz continued with the Global Jane Austen conference and keen delegates eagerly signed up for the "In Search of a Heroine" Austen walks, and it was wonderful to see such enthusiasm. As for what's next, the question on everyone's lips is: what will be the focus for 2026?
Stay tuned – I'm sure it will be another year of exciting exploration with me and my trusted photocard!
Cheryl Butler is a Southern England Blue Badge Tourist Guide and is on our Register of Guides.
