Born: 1853 (Stratford, Essex)
Died: 1935 (Ipswich)
Biography:
Nina Frances Layard FSA FLS (20 August 1853 Stratford, Essex – 12 August 1935, Ipswich) was an English poet, prehistorian, archaeologist, and antiquarian who conducted important excavations, and by winning the respect of contemporary academics helped to establish a role for women in her field of expertise.
Nina Layard was born in Stratford, Essex on 20 August 1853, to Rev. Charles Clement Layard and Sarah, née Somes. Her father, a first cousin to Sir Austen Henry Layard (excavator of Nineveh and Nimrud), Edgar Leopold Layard (Curator of the South African Museum at Cape Town and Governor of Fiji), and Lady Charlotte Guest (translator of the Mabinogion and collector of ceramics), came from a family with strong connections to the arts and academia. Her paternal grandfather, Brownlow Villiers Layard, served as an aide-de-camp and later as private chaplain to the Duke of Kent, and her maternal grandfather was a Dean of Bristol.
From a young age, Nina Layard showed a keen interest in natural history and became an avid collector of eggs and shells. Although her formal education was limited to attending a dame-school in Willesden, Middlesex, she received support and encouragement from various scholars throughout her life. Notably, Leonard Jenyns and John Ellor Taylor played a significant role in fostering her passion for the subject.
In 1873, Layard’s family moved to Combe-Hay rectory in Bath, where her father served as the Rector. It was during this time that she continued her collecting pursuits. Her love for exploration and discovery led her to embark on a journey around the world, including a visit to New Zealand in 1878–9.
Layard’s archaeological work was of great importance and helped further the understanding of prehistoric cultures. She conducted significant excavations, unearthing invaluable artifacts that shed light on the past. Notably, she discovered implements from the Palaeolithic Site in Ipswich, which provided valuable insights into the lives of early humans in the area.
One of Layard’s most remarkable achievements was earning the respect and recognition of her contemporaries in academia. She became one of the first four women to be admitted as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in its inaugural year of admitting women. Additionally, she was admitted as a Fellow of the Linnean Society in the second year of women’s admission. Her groundbreaking accomplishments not only established a role for women in her field but also paved the way for future generations of female archaeologists and prehistorians.
Furthermore, Layard’s dedication to her work allowed her to make significant contributions to the field of archaeology. Her findings and research provided valuable information about the ancient past, enabling a deeper understanding of human history. Layard’s influential work earned her the honor of being the first woman to be President of the Prehistoric Society of East Anglia in 1921.
Nina Frances Layard left a lasting legacy as a pioneering figure in the world of archaeology and women’s history. Her passion, perseverance, and dedication blazed a trail for future generations, shaping the field and empowering women in academia. Her contributions continue to inspire and inform archaeological research to this day.
Awards:
– Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London
– Fellow of the Linnean Society
– President of the Prehistoric Society of East Anglia (1921)