Why does Sir Walter Elliot rent out Kellynch Hall?

He spends far more money than he has, and he falls into debt. Lady Russell and his lawyer persuade him that renting the house and moving to Bath is the sensible answer.

How old is Sir Walter Elliot?

He is fifty-four years old when the story begins.

Who rents Kellynch Hall in Persuasion?

Admiral Croft, a naval officer, rents Kellynch Hall with his wife. Mrs Croft is Captain Wentworth’s sister.

From Persuasion

Sir Walter Elliot

Anne’s proud father • Vain and boastful

A proud, vain baronet who cares only about good looks, high rank and his family name.

Who is Sir Walter Elliot?

Sir Walter Elliot is Anne’s father, a proud baronet who loves his handsome face and his family name more than anything. He spends so much money that the family must rent out Kellynch Hall and move to Bath. He admires mirrors, titles and fancy people, and he rarely notices how wise and kind his daughter Anne really is.

Sir Walter Elliot is a character in Persuasion, the 1817 novel by Jane Austen, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Sir Walter Elliot like?

vain
proud
silly

Sir Walter Elliot’s story

Sir Walter Elliot is a baronet of Kellynch Hall in Somerset who spends his spare hours reading the book that lists his own family. He is fifty-four years old and very proud of his good looks and his rank. His wife has died, and he lives with his eldest daughter Elizabeth, who shares his pride.

He spends more than he earns, and the family lawyer and Lady Russell persuade him that he must let the house and economise. He rents Kellynch Hall to Admiral Croft, a naval officer, and moves with Elizabeth to a smart house in Bath. He grumbles about sailors, whose faces are weathered by the sea, yet he does not notice that his tenant is a very good one.

At Bath he is delighted to be on good terms with his cousin Mr Elliot, and to be admired by fashionable people. He gives his consent to Anne’s marriage, though not with much warmth. He is pleased enough that Captain Wentworth is well off.

“Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot’s character; vanity of person and of situation.”

Jane Austen, the narrator, on Sir Walter’s character. From the original 1817 novel by Jane Austen.

A moment to remember

When Anne visits her poor, sick friend, Sir Walter checks his hair in the mirror and grumbles that such a friend is not grand enough for an Elliot.

Anne Elliot: his middle daughter, whom he overlooks
Mary Musgrove: his youngest daughter
Lady Russell: the family friend who gives him advice
William Elliot: his cousin and heir
Mrs. Smith: the friend of Anne he finds unfashionable

Talk about it

Sir Walter cared a lot about looks and fancy titles. What matters more to you about a person?

Questions about Sir Walter Elliot

Why does Sir Walter Elliot rent out Kellynch Hall?: He spends far more money than he has, and he falls into debt. Lady Russell and his lawyer persuade him that renting the house and moving to Bath is the sensible answer.
How old is Sir Walter Elliot?: He is fifty-four years old when the story begins.
Who rents Kellynch Hall in Persuasion?: Admiral Croft, a naval officer, rents Kellynch Hall with his wife. Mrs Croft is Captain Wentworth’s sister.