Anne Kingsmill Finch (Books)

Anne Kingsmill Finch Books

Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea, was a poet celebrated for her love poems and her fervent advocacy for women's social justice. Her works frequently express a desire for respect as a female poet, lamenting her difficult position within the literary establishment and at court, while still conveying a powerful artistic impulse to write. Finch's poetry often explores themes of depression and articulates the challenges faced by women in artistic and public spheres.

Anne Kingsmill Finch - Aristonenes: or, The Royal Shepherd

76 pages
3 hours of reading

Anne Kingsmill was born in April 1661 (an exact date is not known) in Sydmonton, Hampshire. Throughout her life Anne was involved in several Court cases that dragged on for years. These involved both a share of her parents estate for her education and later her and her husband's share of an inheritance. In 1682, Anne became a maid of honour to Mary of Modena (wife of James, Duke of York, later King James II) at St James's Palace. Anne's interest in poetry began at the palace, and she started writing her own verse. The Court however was no place for a woman to display any poetic efforts. Woman were not considered suitable for such literary pursuits. At court, Anne met Colonel Heneage Finch. A courtier as well as a soldier. The couple married on 15th May 1684.