In all the furore over whether there should be a woman on a bank note one small optical fact has been overlooked. As well as featuring Ms Austen the image also features the home of ABDO's Godmersham College formerly the home of Austen's brother.
Godmersham Park was home to Edward Austen Knight and is now home to ABDO College. Jane spent a great deal of time at Godmersham Park and it is understood to have been a source of inspiration for her novels.
ABDO continues: 'The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) was aware of Jane Austen’s connection with Godmersham Park Mansion when it acquired the property (on a thirty year lease in 2001) to establish ABDO College as a centre of excellence for optical education. Since it was founded, ABDO College has received a steady flow of visitors from around the world who are interested in Jane Austen, her work and family.
Commenting on the news ABDO general secretary, Sir Anthony Garrett, said: “Godmersham is an outstanding venue and ABDO College has certainly lived up to its reputation as a world class centre for optics. The College building and grounds are an ideal location for learning and it is very exciting for both students and staff that Godmersham Park will be featured on the new £10 note from 2017.'
