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Jane Porter Papers: Finding Aid
mssPOR 1-2662  
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Description
This collection contains the papers of British historical novelist Jane Porter (1776-1850) and includes family correspondence that describes life amongst the gentry and literary figures during the Regency and early Victorian eras, including social customs and traditional roles of women. Their letters also reflect the family's financial straits and the struggles they endured to maintain their expected (and desired) place in society.
Background
Jane Porter (1776-1850), a British historical novelist, was born in Durham, England in 1776, the third of five children born to William Porter, an officer in the British Army, and Jane Blenkinsop Porter. After her father’s death in 1779, Jane moved with her family to Edinburgh and began her education. According to all reports, she was very studious from quite a young age and was strongly influenced by the tales of chivalry and the Northern borders which she heard as she was growing up in Scotland. Throughout her life, Jane was especially close to her younger brother Robert Ker Porter (1777-1842), a noted painter, writer, and diplomat, and her younger sister, Anna Maria Porter (1780-1832), also a novelist.
Extent
2,662 items in 59 boxes
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.