Austen was born in 1773 at a rectory in Steventon , Hampshire , to the Rev. George Austen ( 1731 -- 1805 ) , a rector , and his wife Cassandra , `` née '' Leigh ( 1739 -- 1827 ) .
Austen was born in 1773 in Steventon , Hampshire . Her father was the Rev. George Austen ( 1731 -- 1805 ) , and her mother was Cassandra , `` née '' Leigh ( 1739 -- 1827 ) .