Anne Finch

The poetry of Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661 – 1720), which earned a degree of attention during her lifetime, became better known after her death. While Finch also authored fables and plays, today she is best known for her poetry. After her death, critics recognised the diversity of her poetic output as well as its personal and intimate style. She was appointed a maid of honour to Mary of Modena in the court of Charles 11 and went on to marry Colonel Heneage Finch, who subsequently became the fifth Earl of Winchilsea.