Details of Sculptor

Surname

Vidler

Alternative Surname

First Name

John, of Battle

Initial of Surname

V

Year of Birth/Baptism

Flourished

1780-1827

Year of Death

Biographical Details

The family were the leading masons in Battle, Sussex over several generations. In 1780 John Vidler was paid £300 for building the Webster family vault in Battle church-yard. He was succeeded by his son, Thomas, who, between 1811 and 1818, was responsible for all the alterations and additions to Battle Abbey, and also in 1817 for building the stables. Vidler was paid £1,950 by Sir Godfrey Webster in the first year or two, but after that found it impossible to extract any more money from his patron; as late as 1827 he was writing to the Webster lawyer in London trying to get his claim settled. Vidler appears also to have been an architect, as in the same letter he stresses that his claim on Sir Godfrey also involved ‘superintending the whole of the works at Battle Abbey from the year 1812 and drawing all plans and working drawings’. He was succeeded by his son, John. In 1775 ‘Messrs. Inskip and Vidler’ repaired the House of Correction at Battle, Sussex (County Archives, Lewes).
Literary References: Gunnis 1968, 409 citing Archives, Mrs Harbord of Battle Abbey and County Archives, Lewes