AS Hampshire commemorates the bicentenary of Jane Austen’s death on July 18, 1817, Selborne will also be celebrating the life of another great Hampshire writer Gilbert White, who was born on the same date 97 years earlier in 1720.

To celebrate Gilbert White’s birthday, Gilbert White’s House Museum will be hosting two events on the weekends either side of the big day.

On Sunday (July 16), the museum will host a ‘Meet the Whites’ when the house will come alive with Gilbert White’s family and friends as well as White himself, who will be telling stories of their lives in Selborne during the 18th Century.

Visitors will be able to witness traditional crafts being demonstrated and help give a toast to Gilbert’s birthday.

The following Sunday (July 23) the museum will join forces with the village and St Mary’s Church for a special evensong service.

The Reverend Canon Robin Ewbank explained: “July 18 seems to be a significant date in our benefice as it is the day that Jane Austen died 200 years ago in 1817, as the whole world is being made very well aware. Much less well known is the fact that it is also Gilbert White’s birthday, 297 years ago in 1720.

“We have started a tradition of having an appropriate evening service of thanksgiving to God around this time for all lovers of Selborne and its natural history, as made famous by its most celebrated son.”

And he added: “Do come and join us for a simple evening service followed by refreshments in St Mary’s Church, Selborne, on Sunday evening, July 23, at 6pm.”

Drinks and refreshments will be served, including a birthday cake provided by the Museum and Friends of Gilbert White and The Oates Collection.