(John) Richard Jefferies (6 November 1848 - 14 August 1887) is best known for his writings about nature and the countryside. His birthplace and home at Coate, on the out-skirts of Swindon, provide the background to all his major works of fiction and for many of his essays. For much of his adult life he suffered from tuberculosis; his struggles with the illness play a role in his writing.
The Richard Jefferies Society was established in 1950 and has members in all parts of the world. It is a registered charity (no. 1042838) managed by an Executive Council of volunteers.
The Objects of the Society are:
o To promote interest in, and respect for the life and works of Richard Jefferies.
o To hold meetings of its members and others, at which lectures may be given bearing on the life, work and times of Richard Jefferies.
o To maintain a collection of and help make available to members copies of the works of Richard Jefferies and associated literature.
o To monitor and protect as far as possible the buildings and countryside associated with Richard Jefferies.
o To provide members with news and information about Richard Jefferies by means of a newsletter and/or journal.
Newsletters with information about the writer, current events, publications and services are circulated to members twice a year along with an annual report. In addition they receive a copy of the Society's Journal containing hitherto unpublished writing by Jefferies, new articles, research and book reviews. There are meetings for rallies, readings and discussions, as well as visits to places associated with the writer. The Society has a special concern for such places as the writer's birthplace at Coate (maintained as a museum with the help of volunteers, as a memorial to the writer), Coate Water, Liddington Hill, and the memorial stone on Burderop Down, all in Wiltshire. Other places of pilgrimage are at Surbiton, Sydenham and Eltham near London, and at Brighton, Crowborough and at his final home at Goring by Sea, Sussex where he died on 16 August 1887 at the age of 38. His grave is in Broadwater cemetery at Worthing.
MEMBERSHIP
The annual subscription runs from 1 July and costs only £7 for individuals and £8 for a couple. The latter receive one copy of the Society’s publications.
Life membership for those aged 60 or over is set at ten times the annual rate.
Overseas members should add £1.50 towards additional postal costs.
You can download a membership form here.
Donations to the Society can be made online at Charities Aid Foundation .
Join The Richard Jefferies Society using the online facility
This facility is particularly useful if you live overseas and can pay using a credit/debit card. As Paypal charge for the service we must add £1 to the Annual Membership Fee to cover costs. The service is not available for Life Membership applications. Paypal will automatically calculate the exchange rate for overseas subscriptions.
Simply use the button below and select your type of membership from the drop-down menu.
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Richard Jefferies' birthplace next to Coate Water, Marlborough Road (next to the Sun Inn).
Now a Museum dedicated to his memory.
2010 Open Days
The Museum will be open on the following Sundays from 2-5pm: May 2, 16 & 23; June 6, 20 & 27; July 4, 18 & 25; Aug 1, 15 & 22; Sept 5, 12, 19 & 26.
It is also open on the second Wednesday of the month throughout the year from 10am-4pm: Feb 10, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug 11, Sep 8, Oct 13, Nov 10 & Dec 8.
Group bookings can be accommodated on other dates by appointment.
The building is not wheel-chair accessible and parking space is limited. However, there is plenty of parking space at Coate Water Country Park -- just a short walk away. There is no admission charge.
Richard Jefferies 1848-1887
Coate Water
The setting for many of Jefferies' adventures.
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