A FASCINATING Austen-esque insight into Georgian life in Ambleside is revealed in a new book based on the journals and sketches of the Hardens of Brathay Hall.

The daily life of the affluent family, who moved in the same circles as Wordsworth, Coleridge and Constable, was detailed in letters written by Jessy Harden while her husband John painted scenes depicting their leisure activities and surroundings.

Taking a year to research and edit, Jessy’s Journal has been compiled by Kirkby Lonsdale historian Maurice Dybeck.

“The words and letters of Jessy Harden present a fascinating picture of life in the upper echelons of local society,” said the 85-year-old.

“John Harden was no mean artist, particularly when it comes to recording all their daily doings. Putting together his pictures and her comments give us a unique window into those times.”

For the Hardens, who lived at Brathay Hall in the early 19th century, life was a busy round of sketching, social visits, having fun, managing the estate, playing cards, making music and looking after their five children.

The 200-page Jessy’s Journal is an anthology of Jessy’s letters, extracted from 70,000 words transcribed by Dr Sue Owen from Kendal, and a selection of 150 out of 500 of John’s pictures held in the Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal.

The result is an remarkable collection of witty tales and frank commentary on 19th century life which could have come straight out of a Jane Austen novel.

In one letter to a relative in India, written in August 1804, Jessy writes of Lady Diana Fleming: "Sir M. Fleming is the owner of Rydal, the waterfalls etc, but he treats her with no respect at all, but generally lives in London, while she & her poor daughter stay here."

Later the same month she writes: "This morning, we went to Church but were not over much gratified with our Sermon. It was not worth going so far to hear. Mr Crakel is really not a good hand at the preaching."

In a September letter, Jessy refers to Mary, the celebrated Maid of Buttermere who was inveigled into a bigamous marriage and whose 'husband' was hanged in 1803.

"The beautiful Mary is about to be married to the Parson of the village after refusing Mr. Lowrie, an old gentlemen with £5,000 a year. She says she once married for money but won't do it again'.

Jessy’s Journal is being launched at Brathay Hall today (Saturday) from 2pm. Admission is free.