1730 - 1792

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Philadelphia Austen was the elder sister to Jane's father Rev George Austen. Her mother died when she was just 2 years old and her father when she was 6, so she had a very hard time of it in early life. Her father remarried after the death of his wife but his new wife refused to take on the responsibility of his children after his death but continued to live in his house.  

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It was common at the time for siblings to be split up and sent to live with relatives in these circumstances. Philadelphia was split up from her younger siblings and sent to live with her mother's family the Hampsons. The Hampsons were very rich and held high status but this was not shared with Philadelphia, who at 15 was apprenticed to a milliner in Convent Garden who paid her 45 pounds to learn to make hats over a 5 year period.  I've read conflicting reports as to whether this was a respectable trade. One rumour is that milliners were so underpaid that they would turn to prostitution to support themselves, but there is no historical proof of Philadelphia supporting herself in this way. 

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Following her apprenticeship, she made the rather bold decision to embark on a trip to India to find herself a husband. It was a long and perilous journey in those days. It was also quite expensive so her passage will have been paid by a relative. She arrived in Madras (now Chennai) in 1752 and six months later she married Tysoe Saul Hancock, so she was successful in her quest for a husband. 

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In 1759, the couple moved to Bengal where they met Warren Hastings. In 1761, Philadelphia gave birth to her first child Elizabeth, Jane Austen's cousin (earlier known as Bessy and later Eliza). Some speculate that Hastings was the father as Philadelphia and Tysoe had been unable to have any children for so many years. Eliza was also name after Hastings daughter who died a week after being born. Hastings became Eliza's godfather and provided her with a £10,000 trust fund, which was quite substantial and confirmed the rumours in some people's eyes.

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The Hancock's encouraged Hastings to send his son George to England following the death of his wife to be under the care of Mrs Cassandra Austen and her brother, who may have been acquainted with Hastings from his youth. However, sadly George was quite a frail child and died from diptheria aged 6.  

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Philadelphia returned to England with her daughter whilst Tysoe continued to work in India. London held appeal as the pair could participate in fashionable society, and Eliza was afforded luxuries that Philadelphia never had such as dancing, French and harp lessons. 

 

After Hancock's death in 1775, Philadelphia and Eliza moved to Paris where living costs were much cheaper. Hancock had many debts in India They were however very fortunate in circumstance and attended Royal events, rubbing shoulders with such characters as Marie Antoinette.  

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Sadly the pair were swept up in the French Revolution. The husband that Philadelphia had encouraged Eliza to marry was guillotined as part of the revolution. However, Philadelphia was welcomed at the home of her brother George Austen and was with Cassandra Austen when Jane was born. 

 

Phila, as she was affectionately known by the family, was a favourite aunt of Jane's. Perhaps it was the exoticism of the adventures she had had in her lifetime.