Archives West Finding Aid

Daughter of John Vardill, an American Loyalist during the revolution and suspected spy for the British, Anna Jane Vardill was born in London on November 19, 1782 and died at Skipton in North Yorkshire on June 4, 1852. Her father had a very strong influence on her education and interests in literature, spending considerable time with her when she was child reading poetry. Her first publication would come in 1809, a work that included imitations and translations of early Greek poetry. In 1808 The Attic Chest was formed, a literary circle hosted by William Porden and his daughter Eleanor Anne, a close friend of Vardill’s who became a frequent contributor. From 1813 to 1822 under the pen name “V” she produced many works for European Magazine. After her marriage to James Niven in 1822, Vardill would move to his estate at Kirkcudbright in Scotland. After her husband’s death she moved back to London and would divide her time between there and Skipton until her death.

Within the Collection is one of two letters received from Lord Moira (Francis Edward Rawdon-Hastings, 1754-1826) dated February 11th, 1809 in relation to negotiations for the dedication of her first published work to Princess Charlotte of Wales (1796-1817). The relationship between Lord Moira and Vardill is not discernable beyond the two letters. Moira could have known Vardill’s father given Moira’s service in the British Army during the American Revolution.