When does Pride and Prejudice take place? Timeline explored

Pride and Prejudice is set squarely in Britain’s Regency era and, from the novel’s internal calendar (Michaelmas, Easter, dated letters, “about a twelvemonth”), scholars place the action from just before Michaelmas 1811 to shortly before Christmas 1812.

The story unfolds primarily in rural Hertfordshire (Longbourn, Meryton, Netherfield), with pivotal chapters in Kent (Hunsford and Rosings), Derbyshire (Pemberley), and London.

Written by Jane Austen and first published on January 28, 1813, Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy through misunderstandings, class expectations, and evolving judgment in a tightly observed provincial world.

Netflix’s six‑part adaptation is underway, with Dolly Alderton writing and Euros Lyn directing. Emma Corrin stars as Elizabeth Bennet, Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy, and Olivia Colman as Mrs. Bennet. The Lookout Point production has begun filming in the U.K.

The timeline of Pride and Prejudice explained

Editors working from internal references reconstructed a day‑by‑day chronology that begins before Michaelmas (September 29) 1811, when Mr. Bingley takes Netherfield, and proceeds through the Meryton assembly, Jane’s illness at Netherfield, the Netherfield ball (November 26, 1811), Mr. Collins’s proposal, and Bingley’s removal to London.

In March-April 1812, Elizabeth visits Hunsford and Rosings, where Darcy makes his first proposal and delivers his explanatory letter. June-July sees Lydia depart with the militia to Brighton. August 1, 1812, brings Lydia’s elopement as Elizabeth is touring Pemberley.

Late September 1812 features Bingley’s return and engagement to Jane. And in early October 1812, Darcy proposes again, with the double wedding taking place before Christmas. This 1811–1812 timeline is the standard scholarly view and is supported by detailed calendars keyed to the text.

Geographically, Pride and Prejudice is anchored in Hertfordshire but ranges outward as its social circles widen. Maps and place lists compiled by Austen scholars place Longbourn and Meryton in Hertfordshire, Rosings in Kent, and Pemberley in Derbyshire. It reflects the novel’s movement from small‑town assemblies to great houses and the metropolis. The militia’s presence in Meryton mirrors Regency‑era home defense practices during the Napoleonic period, when county regiments were routinely quartered away from home counties.

Authorship, publication, and historical context

Jane Austen drafted the novel under the title First Impressions in 1796–1797, later revising it into Pride and Prejudice, published by T. Egerton in three volumes on January 28, 1813.

Publication notices and first‑edition records confirm the date and format and show just how quickly the book entered public conversation. The setting aligns with the official Regency (1811–1820), when the Prince of Wales served as Prince Regent, providing the social milieu of assemblies, entailments, and strict codes of rank that shape the Bennet sisters’ marital prospects.

Austen’s timeline choices also intersect with topical themes. The militia subplot, Mrs. Bennet’s fascination with “red coats,” Wickham’s flirtations, and Lydia’s elopement speak of the social realities of rotating militia units and the frisson they created in provincial towns.

Scholarly work on Austen and the militia situates these episodes within contemporary debates about military service, propriety, and the risks of transgressive behavior.

The new Netflix adaptation: Cast, creatives, and production status

Netflix has begun production on a new six‑part Pride and Prejudice limited series in the U.K., written by Dolly Alderton and directed by Euros Lyn. The lead roles have Emma Corrin (Elizabeth Bennet), Jack Lowden (Mr. Darcy), and Olivia Colman (Mrs. Bennet).

It headlines a large ensemble that includes Rufus Sewell (Mr. Bennet), Daryl McCormack (Mr. Bingley), Louis Partridge (Mr. Wickham), Fiona Shaw (Lady Catherine de Bourgh), Jamie Demetriou (Mr. Collins), Freya Mavor (Jane), Rhea Norwood (Lydia), and newcomers Hopey Parish, and Hollie Avery (Mary and Kitty).

Behind the scenes, Alderton and Lyn executive‑produce alongside Laura Lankester, Will Johnston, and Louise Mutter at Lookout Point. Lisa Osborne serves as producer.

As per the Netflix Tudum report dated July 30, 2025, Dolly Alderton said,

“I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,”

Adding that Pride and Prejudice

“is the blueprint for romantic comedy”

Emma Corrin said,

“Playing Elizabeth Bennet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,....I can’t wait for a new generation to fall in love with this story all over again.”

Alderton also joked on Instagram about the period setting:

“If you need me for the foreseeable, I will be in 1812.”

The action of Pride and Prejudice runs from late 1811 to late 1812, across Hertfordshire, Kent, Derbyshire, and London, quintessential Regency ground that the upcoming Netflix series aims to revisit with a faithful six‑episode retelling led by Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden and Olivia Colman.

Stay tuned for more updates.