In which city is Jane Austen's 'Northanger Abbey' predominately set?

Although completed in 1803, 'Northanger Abbey' was published posthumously in 1817 along with another of Jane Austen's (1775-1817) novels, 'Persuasion'. The story is set predominately in Bath, the largest city in the county of Somerset, England. It follows the young, naïve Catherine Morland, and her journey to better understand herself and the world around her.

There are similarities between Austen and Catherine Moorland. Both young women grew up in the countryside and experienced Bath as innocent, inexperienced girls. Like Jane, Catherine was enthralled by the hustle and bustle of the fashionable city and exclaimed, “Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?”

Several notable locations in Bath are mentioned in Northanger Abbey. Catherine Morland met her love interest, Mr Tilney, by the River Avon in what is now known as the Parade Gardens. This was the location of the Lower Assembly Rooms in Austen's time. Catherine attended services nearby in Bath Abbey and visited the Pump Room daily.

The Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic sights in Bath, as is the Circus, which was built between 1754 and 1756. Austen had friends living in the round circle of terrace houses, so it was only natural to refer to the area in her novel. Austen also mentioned the Upper Assembly Rooms, where she enjoyed attending dances and performances. The fictional Catherine also visited the Rooms for similar entertainment. Today, it is the location of Bath’s Museum of Costume.