VARIAN, ELIZABETH WILLOUGHBY (nee TREACY) 1821-1896

Elizabeth Varian lived in County Antrim. She published her first volume, Poems by Finola in 1851. She was often published in The Nation, and she married Ralph Varian of Cork, who gave generous representation to northern poets in his anthology. She also published work in the Belfast Vindictor.

VERNER, WILLIAM 1782-1871

William Verner was born in Churchill, County Armagh. He joined the army as a young man and survived the Penninsular campaign. At Waterloo he was severely wounded, but was promoted on the battlefield for his gallantry. He served as Member of Parliament for County Armagh from 1832 to 1868, having been returned nine times uncontested. He was a member of the Orange Order, and although he was dismissed as a magistrate in 1837 for proposing the toast of the 'Battle of the Diamond', he was created a baronet in 1846.

VESEY, JOHN c.1637-1716

John Vesey was born in Coleraine, County Londonderry, and educated at Westminster and Trinity College, Dublin. He was appointed Archdeacon of Armagh, Dean of Cork, Bishop of Limerick in 1672, and Archbishop of Tuam in 1678. He went to England in 1689 but returned when the war was over. He was Vice-Chancellor of Dublin University and many of his sermons were published.

VINYCOMB, JOHN 1833-1928

John Vinycomb was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne. He studied art at the School of Design there, and in 1855 entered the art department of Marcus Ward & Co. as an engraver. He remained as head of the department until the break up of the firm in 1899, when he became an artist, designer and illuminator. He remained in Holywood, County Down until 1909. He was a member of the Royal Irish Academy; Vice-President of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland; Vice-President of the Ex-libra Society of London and founder and past President of the Belfast Art Society and the Ulster Arts Club. He also served as President of Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. He was a recognised authority on heraldry and illuminating, and he published books, notably on the illustration of bookplates. He died in London. The City Hall has an example of his scroll, and the Belfast Harbour Office and the Victoria and Albert Museum also have examples of his work.