Jane Austen Author: 1775-1817 THE PLATFORM (THE BEACH) Georgian Southampton was a Spa Resort. Running East from this spot was a waterside promenade for visitors and citizens to take daily exercise. Jane and her family frequently walked along this shore (1806-1809), sometimes as far as Cross House Quay, where where the Itchen Ferry operated. On 16 September 1807 the Austens used the ferry to visit Netley Abbey. In the winter the meadows froze and Jane's brother skated here.