Varney the Vampire: Introduction and Table of Contents

Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood is a gothic horror story that was serialized between 1845 and 1847 in penny dreadful pamphlets. In 1847, the complete story was published as a three-volume book that was nearly 667,000 words long and split into 232 chapters. All the modern reproductions I could find are around half this length.

Varney the Vampire was published by the London-based publisher Edward Lloyd, who paid his authors by the line and had a policy against publishing writers’ names alongside their work. Because of this, it’s unclear who wrote Varney the Vampire. Some people believe it was written by James Malcolm Rymer, while others think it was Thomas Preskett Prest. Many more believe both authors had a hand in writing Varney the Vampire. Due to the many inconsistencies and mistakes throughout the work, a joint-effort seems likely because the errors may be attributable to the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.

The central character is Sir Francis Varney, who has been cursed to walk the earth as a vampire as a punishment for past wrong doings. Varney the Vampire is notable for being the first story to feature a vampire with pointed, fang-like teeth, and many scholars believe the work strongly influenced later authors of vampire fiction, including Bram Stoker, who wrote his Dracula novel 50 years after Varney the Vampire first became available as a book.

Most printed and online copies of Varney the Vampire have chapter titles that can be confusing. For example: “Chapter I—Midnight—the Hail-Storm—the Dreadful Visitor—the Vampyre”. I have yet to find a copy that explains the reasons for the unusual titles. I am going to offer a potential explanation. When the first printed Varney the Vampire book was published, in 1847, each chapter consisted of the content from three or four penny dreadfuls. Once you know this, it reveals how short penny dreadfuls were. However, let’s not forget, they only cost a penny and, in the case of the Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood people who bought the first one also received nos, 2, 3, and 4 as well—free of charge. If you look at the picture of the cover (shown above) you will see it states this.

Most Varney the Vampire online books are based on the copy provided by Project Gutenburg. These days, this seems to be the case with most print editions as well, and it’s certainly initially the case with the edition I am providing on this site. Unfortunately, the Gutenberg copy is not complete. The transcriber’s note makes this clear, stating “This edition does not include the entire 109 episodes.” The reasons behind the “episode” omissions are not explained. Perhaps some of them have been lost. Nor is it clear what the transcriber means by “episodes”—let’s not forget the original allegedly had 232 chapters. In fact, when I reached the end of  the Project Gutenburg copy of thee book, I realized it only contains a fraction of the story, so I had to seek out an alternative source.

As I am preparing this online book of Varney the Vampire, I will note any problems as they arise, and use footnotes or supplementary pages to provide additional information. I will also provide links to explain any archaic words and phrases.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME I

Preface

Chapter I:  Midnight | The Hail-Storm | The Dreadful Visitor | The Vampyre

Chapter II:  The Alarm | The Pistol Shot |The Pursuit and Its Consequences

Chapter III:  The Disappearance of the Body | Flora’s Recovery and Madness | The Night Watch[1]

Chapter IV:  The Morning | The Consultation | The Fearful Suggestion

Chapter V:  The Offer of Assistance from Sir Francis Varney | The Proposal | The Moonlight | The Fearful Adventure[1]

Chapter VI:  A Glance at the Bannerworth Family | The Probable Consequences of the Mysterious Apparition’s Appearance

Chapter VII:  The Visit to the Vault of the Bannerworths[2]

Chapter VIII.  The Coffin | The Absence of the Dead | The Mysterious Circumstance, and the Consternation of George

Chapter IX.  The Occurrences of the Night at the Hall | The Second Appearance of the Vampyre, and the Pistol-Shot

Chapter X.  The Return from the Vault | the Alarm, and the Search Around the Hall

Chapter XI.  The Communications to the Lover | the Heart’s Despair

Chapter XII.  Charles Holland’s Sad Feelings | The Portrait | The Occurrence of the Night at the Hall

Chapter XIII.  The Offer for the Hall | The Visit to Sir Francis Varney | The Strange Resemblance | A Dreadful Suggestion

Chapter XIV.  Henry’s Agreement with Sir Francis Varney | The Sudden Arrival at the Hall | Flora’s Alarm

Chapter XV.  The Old Admiral and His Servant | The Communication from the Landlord of the Nelson’s Arms

Chapter XVI.  The Meeting of the Lovers in the Garden | An Affecting Scene | The Sudden Appearance of Sir Francis Varney

Chapter XVII.  The Explanation | The Arrival of the Admiral at the House | A Scene of Confusion, and Some of Its Results

Chapter XVIII.  The Admiral’s Advice | The Challenge to the Vampyre | The New Servant at the Hall

Chapter XIX.  Flora in Her Chamber | Her Fears | The Manuscript | An Adventure

Chapter XX.  The Dreadful Mistake | The Terrific Interview in the Chamber | The Attack of the Vampyre

Chapter XXI.  The Conference Between the Uncle and Nephew, and the Alarm

Chapter XXII.  The Consultation | The Determination to Leave the Hall

Chapter XXIII.  The Admiral’s Advice to Charles Holland | The Challenge to the Vampyre

Chapter XXIV.  The Quarrel | The Letter to Charles |The Admiral’s Narrative[3]

Chapter XXV.  The Admiral’s Opinion | The Request of Charles

Chapter XXVI.  The Meeting by Moonlight in the Park | The Turret Window in the Hall | The Letters

Chapter XXVII.  The Noble Confidence of Flora Bannerworth in Her Lover | Her Opinion of the Three Letters | The Admiral’s Admiration

Chapter XXVIII.  Mr. Marchdale’s Exculpation of Himself | The Search Through the Gardens | The Spot of the Deadly Struggle | The Mysterious Paper

Chapter XXIX.  A Peep Through an Iron Grating | The Lonely Prisoner in His Dungeon | The Mystery

Chapter XXX.  The Offer | The Solemn Asseveration[4]

Chapter XXXI. Sir Francis Varney and His Mysterious Visitor | The Strange Conference

Chapter XXXII.  The Thousand Pounds | The Stranger’s Precautions

Chapter XXXIII  The Strange Interview | the Chase Through the Hall[5]

Chapter XXXIV.  The Threat | Its Consequences | The Rescue, and Sir Francis Varney’s Danger

Chapter XXXV.  The Explanation | Marchdale’s Advice[6]

Chapter XXXVI.  The Consultation | The Projected Removal, and the Admiral’s Anger[7]

Chapter XXXVII.  Sir Francis Varney’s Separate Opponents | The Interposition of Flora

Chapter XXXVIII.  Marchdale’s Offer | The Consultation at Bannerworth Hall | The Morning of the Duel

Chapter XXXIX. The Storm and the Fight | The Admiral’s Repudiation of His Principal

Chapter XL.  The Popular Riot | Sir Francis Varney’s Danger | The Suggestion and Its Results

*The Project Gutenburg copy of Varney the Vampire, and the many copies based on it, jump from Chapter XL (chapter 40) to Chapter XLIV (Chapter 44). However, anyone following the story will see there are not, as it appears, three chapters missing at this point. The original transcriber (who created the table of contents) must have become confused over the numbering with Roman numerals. I also noticed several of the preceding chapters were at least double the normal length. Perhaps these were originally intended to be split to provide the other three chapters.

For the A Passion for Horror online book of Varney the Vampire, I have modified the chapter numbers to (hopefully) avoid reader confusion. 

Chapter XLI.  Varney’s Danger, and His Rescue | The Prisoner Again, and the Subterranean Vault

Chapter XLII.  The Open Graves | The Dead Bodies | A Scene of Terror

Chapter XLIII.  The Preparations for Leaving Bannerworth Hall, and the Mysterious Conduct of the Admiral and Mr. Chillingworth

Chapter XLIV.  The Removal from the Hall | The Night Watch, and the Alarm

Chapter XLV.  The Stake and the Dead Body

Chapter XLVI.  A Scene of Terror: The Soldiers’ Discovery | The Confrontation in the Attic[8]

Chapter XLVII.  The Mob’s Arrival at Sir Francis Varney’s | The Attempt to Gain Admission

Chapter XLVIII.  The Attack Upon the Vampyre’s House | The Story of the Attack | The Forcing of the Doors, and the Struggle

Chapter XLIX  The Interview Between the Mob and Sir Francis Varney | The Mysterious Disappearance | The Wine Cellars

Chapter L.  The Destruction of Sir Francis Varney’s House by Fire | The Arrival of the Military, and a Second Mob

Chapter LI.  The Burning of Varney’s House | A Night Scene | Popular Superstition

Chapter LII.  The Return of the Mob and Military to the Town | The Madness of the Mob | The Grocer’s Revenge

Chapter LIII.  The Departure of the Bannerworths from the Hall | The New Abode | Jack Pringle, Pilot

Chapter LIV.  The Lonely Watch, and the Adventure in the Deserted House

Chapter LV.  The Arrival of Jack Pringle | Midnight and the Vampyre | The Mysterious Hat[9]

Chapter LVI.  The Warning | The New Plan of Operation | The Insulting Message From Varney

Chapter LVII.  The Interrupted Breakfast at Sir Francis Varney’s

Chapter LVIII.  The Mysterious Stranger | The Particulars of the Suicide at Bannerworth Hall

Chapter LIX. The Mysterious Meeting in the Ruin Again | The Vampyre’s Attack Upon the Constable[10]

Chapter LX.  The Guests at the Inn, and the Story of the Dead Uncle

Chapter LXI.  The Vampire in the Moonlight | The False Friend

Chapter LXII.  Varney’s Visit to the Dungeon of the Lonely Prisoner in the Ruins

 

VOLUME II

Chapter LXIII.  Flora Bannerworth’s Apparent Inconsistency | The Admiral’s Circumstances and Advice | Mr. Chillingworth’s Mysterious Absence

Chapter LXIV.  The Admiral’s Story of the Beautiful Belinda

Chapter LXV.  Marchdale’s Attempted Villany, and the Result

Chapter LXVI.  Flora Bannerworth and Her Mother | The Episode of Chivalry

Chapter LXVII.  The Funeral of the Stranger of the Inn | The Popular Commotion, and Mrs. Chillingworth’s Appeal to the Mob | The New Riot | The Hall in Danger

Chapter LXVIII.  The Strange Meeting at the Hall Between Mr. Chillingworth and the Mysterious Friend of Varney

Chapter LXIX.  The Strange Story | The Arrival of the Mob at the Hall, and Their Dispersion[11]

Chapter LXX. The Visit of the Vampire | The General Meeting

Chapter LXXI.  The Meeting of Charles and Flora

Chapter LXXII.  Mutual Explanations, and the Visit to the Ruins

Chapter LXXIII.  The Second Night-Watch of Mr. Chillingworth at the Hall

Chapter LXXIV. Varney in the Garden | The Communication of Dr. Chillingworth to the Admiral and Henry

Chapter LXXV. The Altercation Between Varney and the Executioner in the Hall | The Mutual Agreement

Chapter LXXVI. The Vampyre’s Danger | The Last Refuge | The Ruse of Henry Bannerworth

Chapter LXXVII. The Discovery of the Body of Marchdale in the Ruins by the Mob | The Burning of the Corpse | The Murder of the Hangman

Chapter LXXVIII. The Vampyre’s Flight | His Danger, and the Last Place of Refuge

Chapter LXXIX.  Charles Holland’s Pursuit of the Vampyre | The Dangerous Interview

Chapter LXXX. The Mysterious Arrival at the Inn | The Hungarian Nobleman

Chapter LXXXI.  The Excited Populace | Varney Hunted | The Place of Refuge[12]

Chapter LXXXII. The Hungarian Nobleman Gets Into Danger | He Is Fired At, and Shows Some of His Quality

Chapter LXXXIII. The Discovery of the Pocket Book of Marmaduke Bannerworth, and Its Mysterious Contents

Chapter LXXXIV. The Hunt for Varney | The House-Tops | The Miraculous Escape | The Last Place of Refuge | The Cottage

Chapter LXXXV.  The Reception of the Vampyre by Flora | Varney Under the Protection of the Bannerworths | The Return of the Mob[13]

Chapter LXXXVI. Sir Varney Shares His Story | Varney’s Failing Heath and Sickness[13]

Chapter LXXXVII. Varney’s Encounter with the Bow-Street Runners | The Quest for the Missing Deeds

Chapter LXXXVIII. What Became of the Second Vampyre Who Sought Varney

CHAPTER XC.—DR. CHILLINGWORTH AT THE HALL.—THE ENCOUNTER OF MYSTERY.—THE CONFLICT.—THE RESCUE, AND THE PICTURE.

CHAPTER XCI.—THE GRAND CONSULTATION BROKEN UP BY MRS. CHILLINGWORTH, AND THE DISAPPEARANCE OF VARNEY.

CHAPTER XCII.—THE MISADVENTURE OF THE DOCTOR WITH THE PICTURE.

CHAPTER XCIII.—THE ALARM AT ANDERBURY.—THE SUSPICIONS OF THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY, AND THE MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATION.

CHAPTER XCIV.—THE VISITOR, AND THE DEATH IN THE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE.

CHAPTER XCV.—THE MARRIAGE IN THE BANNERWORTH FAMILY ARRANGED.

CHAPTER XCVI.—THE BARON TAKES ANDERBURY HOUSE, AND DECIDES UPON GIVING A GRAND ENTERTAINMENT.

Chapter XCVII. THE ADMIRAL’S PREPARATIONS, AND THE VISIT TO DEARBROOK

Chapter XCVIII. THE INTERVIEW WITH THE QUAKER AT DEARBROOK

Chapter XCIX. THE BARON BECOMES MASTER OF ANDERBURY−ON−THE−MOUNT,
AND BEGINS TO CONGRATULATE HIMSELF. — THE DREAM

Chapter C. MR. LEEK SPECULATES UPON THE BARON’S MATRIMONIAL INTENTIONS.

Chapter CI. THE GRAND ENTERTAINMENT GIVEN BY THE BARON AT ANDERBURY
HOUSE, AND HIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Chapter CII. THE WEDDING FEAST. — THE ADMIRAL’S DISAPPOINTMENT

Chapter CIII. DR. CHILLINGWORTH MAKES URGENT INQUIRIES FOR THE VAMPYRE;
AND THE LAWYER GIVES SOME ADVICE CONCERNING THE QUAKER

Chapter CIV. THE BONE−HOUSE OF THE CHURCHYARD OF ANDERBURY. — THE
RESUSCITATION. — THE FIGHT, AND THE ESCAPE OF THE DEAD. — THE BOAT, AND
THE VAIN PURSUIT

Chapter CV. THE BARON PROPOSES FOR HELEN WILLIAMS, AND IS DULY ACCEPTED,
WITH A COMPLIMENT ON HIS BEAUTY

Chapter CVI. THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE BARON’S MARRIAGE. — THE YOUNG
LOVER, AND THE REMONSTRANCE

Chapter CVII. THE YOUNG SAILOR SAVED BY JACK PRINGLE TURNS OUT TO BE AN
IMPORTANT PERSONAGE

Chapter CVIII. THE DECISION AGAINST THE DOCTOR, AND MORE NEWS OF VARNEY,
THE VAMPYRE

Chapter CIX. THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING OF THE BARON STOlUYER
OF SALTZBURGH

Chapter CX. JACK PRINGLE CALLS UPON MRS. WILLIAMS, AND TELLS HER A PIECE
OF HIS MIND UPON AFFAIRS IN GENERAL

Chapter CXI. THE WEDDING−DAY FIXED, AND THE GUESTS INVITED

Chapter CXII. THE SINGULAR INVITATION TO THE BARON’S WEDDING

Chapter CXIII. JAMES ANDERSON SEEKS AND OBTAINS AN INTERVIEW WITH MRS.
WILLIAMS

Chapter CXIV. MRS. WILLIAMS’S MANOEUVRE TO GET RID OF ANDERSON

Chapter CXV. THE RETURN OF THE RESUSCITATED MAN, AND THE ROBBERY AT
ANDERBURY HOUSE

Chapter CXVI. JACK PRINGLE FALLS IN LOVE, AND HAS RATHER AN UNHAPPY
ADVENTURE WITH A BOLD DRAGOON

Chapter CXVII. THE PROPOSAL OF JACK PRINGLE TO TAKE ANDERSON TO THE
WEDDING

Chapter CXVIII. THE BARON’S PREPARATIONS FOR THE MARRIAGE, AND THE
WEDDING MORNING

Chapter CXIX. A RATHER STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCE AT THE BARON’S WEDDING

Chapter CXX. THE HUNT FOR THE VAMPYRE IN THE SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGE

Chapter CXXI. THE DEATH OF THE INQUISITIVE GUEST. — THE ESCAPE OF SIR
FRANCIS VARNEY

Chapter CXXII. MRS. WILLIAMS VISITS THE BANNERWORTHS AT THE INN. — THE
MARRIAGE OF JAMES ANDERSON WITH HELEN

Chapter CXXIII. MRS. WILLIAMS TAKES THE INITIATIVE, AND NEARLY CATCHES AN
ADMIRAL

Chapter CXXVI. THE ADMIRAL IN A BREEZE. — A GENERAL COMMOTION, AND JACK
PRINGLE MUCH WANTED, BUT NOT TO BE FOUND

Chapter CXXVII. A CHANGE OF SCENE AND CIRCUMSTANCES. — AN EVENT IN
LONDON

Chapter CXXVIII. THE NEW LODGER. — A NIGHT ALARM. — A MYSTERIOUS
CIRCUMSTANCE

Chapter CXXIX. THE UNSUCCESSFUL PURSUIT. — MR. SMITH’S DISAPPOINTMENT,
AND THE TESTIMONY OF MRS. MEREDITH

Chapter CXXX. A BREAKFAST SCENE. — A MATCH−MAKING MOTHER

Chapter CXXXI. MRS. MEREDITH’S FRIEND. — EXCHANGE OF SERVICES, AND
COMPACT

 

VOLUME III

Chapter CXXXII. THE EXPLANATION, AND THE PROPOSAL. — A TETE−A−TETE

Chapter CXXXIII. MRS. MEREDITH’S CONSULTATION WITH MR. TWISSEL, AND HER
RESOLVE

Chapter CXXIV. THE INTRODUCTION. — THE ATTORNEY’S FIRST FEELER

Chapter CXXV. MR. TWISSEL’S MISADVENTURES. — THE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING
FOUND IN THE BANK WITHOUT GIVING A SATISFACTORY ACCOUNT OF YOUR
BUSINESS THERE. — AN UNPLEASANT DILEMMA

Chapter CXXVI. AN EVENING WITH COLONEL DEVERILL. — THE STRATAGEM OF
MRS. MEREDITH

Chapter CXXVII. THE DIFFICULTIES TO BE ENCOUNTERED IN THE CHOICE OF A
BRIDESMAID

Chapter CXXVIII. MR. TWISSEL’S MISFORTUNES, AND HIS RESOLUTION NEVER TO
GIVE IN

Chapter CXXIX. MRS. MEREDITH HAS A CONVERSATION WITH MR. TWISSEL. — THE
ANNOUNCEMENT, AND THE INVITATION

Chapter CXXX. A PLEASANT EVENING. — THE BRIDESMAIDS

Chapter CXXXI. A NEW CHARACTER. — MISS TWISSEL’S VISITOR. — THE
INVITATIONS

Chapter CXXXII. THE WEDDING MORNING. — DISRUPTION OF HARMONY, AND THE
NEW ACQUAINTANCE. — THE CONCLUSION

Chapter CXXXIII. A SCENE IN WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL. — THE CATHEDRAL
ROBBERS. — A STORM. — THE VAULTS BENEATH THE AISLE. — THE FLIGHT OF
THE ROBBERS, AND THE RESUSCITATED CORPSE

Chapter CXXXIV. THE STAR HOTEL, AND THE STRANGER’S ARRIVAL. — A
REMARKABLE COUNTENANCE. — THE ILLNESS AND DEATH OF THE STRANGER. —
A STRANGE REQUEST COMPLIED WITH

Chapter CXXXV. A RURAL SCENE BY MOONLIGHT. — THE STORM. — AN ACCIDENT
ON THE ROAD. — A NEW AND STRANGE ACQUAINTANCE ACQUIRED. — A
DISAPPOINTMENT

Chapter CXXXVI. THE ALARM AT THE INN. — BED−CHAMBER TERRORS. — A NIGHT
SCENE. — A MORNING SUCCEEDING TO A NIGHT OF ADVENTURE

Chapter CXXXVIX. THE ROAD, AND THE TRAVELLERS. — THE PLEASURES OF DOING
GOOD. — THE BEGGAR WOMAN. — SIR FRANCIS VARNEY A PHILANTHROPIST

Chapter CXL. THE ENTRANCE INTO BATH. — A NEW SCENE. — THE HOTEL AND THE
LODGINGS. — THE ATTENTIONS OF SIR FRANCIS VARNEY

Chapter CLXI. SIR FRANCIS VARNEY IN BATH. — THE OLD WOMAN AND HER
FANCIES. — THE MURDER IN BATH. — THE TREASURE

Chapter CXLII. THE SCENE AT THE HOTEL. — THE RELATION OF THE CAUSE OF SIR
FRANCIS VARNEY’S PALENESS

Chapter CXLIII. THE SCENE OF THE MURDER. — THE VISIT TO THE HOUSE. — THE
MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF THE TREASURE

Chapter CXLIV. THE ASSEMBLY. — SIR FRANCIS’S FIRST OVERTURES TO MARY
STEVENS. — THE BREAKFAST SCENE. — AND THE HONOUR DECLINED

Chapter CXLV. THE TWO SISTERS. — MARY STEVENS’S DISLIKE OF SIR FRANCIS
VARNEY. — AN USELESS SUIT. — DISUNION

Chapter CXLV. THE EFFECTS OF PERSEVARANCE. — SIR FRANCIS VARNEY AND
MARY STEVENS. — AN EVENING PARTY AND CONVERSATION

Chapter CXLVIII. THE WEDDING MORNING. — THE PROGRESS OF JUSTICE, AND THE
DISCOVERY OF THE MURDERER. — THE DISSIPATION OF A SCENE

Chapter CXLIX. THE MURDER IN THE WOOD DEL NOTTI. — A NEAPOLITAN SCENE

Chapter CL. A MAIDEN’S MIND DISTURBED. — AN EASY WAY OF PROMOTING
COMFORT OF CONSCIENCE. — THE MONK

Chapter CLI. THE WATCH BY THE DEAD MAN’S SIDE. — THE DEAD ALIVE. — THE
DEATH−STRUGGLE, AND THE MURDER OF THE MONK

Chapter CLII. THE DEVIL A MONK WOULD BE. — THE DEMAND FOR ADMISSION INTO
THE CONVENT OF ST. MARY MAGDALEN. — THE FORTRESS AND THE MONK

Chapter CLIII. FATHER FRANCIS’S INTERVIEW WITH THE ABBESS OF ST. MARY
MAGDALEN. — THE OBJECTS AND WISHES OF THE HOLY FATHER

Chapter CLIV. THE CELL OF THE NEOPHITE. — THE INTERVIEW. — THE UNEXPECTED
TURN GIVEN TO THE AFFAIRS AT THE CONVENT OF MARY MAGDALEN

Chapter CLV. THE NUN’S ATTEMPTED ESCAPE FROM THE CONVENT OF ST. MARY
MAGDALEN. — THE PURSUIT AND THE DISCLOSURE. — THE ESCAPE OF THE
PRETENDED MONK

Chapter CLVI. THE STORM. — A SHIPWRECK AT SEA. — THE HAPLESS FATE OF THE
MARINERS

Chapter CLVII. THE FISHERMEN. — THE DESPAIRING CRY OF THE MARINERS. — THE
BREAKERS FROM THE SHORE

Chapter CLVIII. THE ONE BODY WASHED ASHORE. — THE FIRST REQUEST. — THE
SHIPWRECKED STRANGER

Chapter CLIX. THE FISHERMAN’S COTTAGE. — THE FIRESIDE, AND THE TRAVELLER’S
BED

Chapter CLX. THE NIGHT IN THE FISHERMAN’S HUT. — THE MIDNIGHT FEAST OF
BLOOD. — THE CHASE, AND THE GUN−SHOT

Chapter CLXI. THE ASSASSINS ON THE RIALTO. — THE ATTACK AND DEFEAT. — THE
STRANGER

Chapter CLXII. COUNT POLLIDORI’S PALACE. — SIGNORA ISABELLA, THE COUNT’S
DAUGHTER. — THE INTRODUCTION

Chapter CLXIII. THE OPINIONS OF DOCTOR PILLETTO. — THE STRANGER’S ACCOUNT
OF HIMSELF. — THE WELCOME OF THE SIGNORA

Chapter CLXIV THE COUNT POLLIDORI’S RECOVERY. — THE INTERVIEW WITH THE
SIGNORA ISABELLA. — THE CONSENT

Chapter CLXV THE WEDDING MORNING. — THE NEW ARRIVAL. — THE
DISAPPERANCE OF THE VAMPYRE BRIDEGROOM

Chapter CLXVI. THE TWO HIGHWAYMEN. — THE MURDER AT THE GIBBET’S FOOT. —
THE RIDE TO THE GOLDEN PIPPIN

Chapter CLXVII. THE HORRORS OF THE NIGHT. — THE DISCOVERY IN THE ROAD. —
CONTENTION BETWEEN MAN AND HORSE. — COMFORTABLE QUARTERS IN THE
GOLDEN PIPPIN

Chapter CLXVIII. THE GRAZIER’S RELATION, AND HIS FIRST TERRORS. — THE
EFFECTS OF GOOD CHEER AND THE SUDDEN INTERRUPTION TO A PLEASANT
PARTY

Chapter CLXIX. THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER’S ARRIVAL. — THE CONSTERNATION
OF THE GUESTS. — THE GRAZIER’S TERRORS, AND POWERS OF IDENTITY. — THE
LANDLORD’S DAUGHTER

Chapter CLXX. THE MIDNIGHT CRY OF ALARM. — THE VAMPYRE’S MEAL. — THE
CHASE ACROSS THE FIELDS. — THE DEATH OF THE LANDLORD’S DAUGHTER

Chapter CLXXI. THE HOTEL. — THE FASHIONABLE ARRIVAL. — THE YOUNG
HEIRESS

Chapter CLXII. THE SECOND ARRIVAL AT THE LONDON HOTEL. — THE MYSTERIOUS
GUEST.

Chapter CLXIII. THE NIGHT ALARM — A SCENE OF CONFUSION. — MR. BLUE
SUSPECTED

Chapter CLXIV. THE WAITER TELLS THE STORY OF THE LAKES’ DISTURBANCE TO
GEORGE AND FRANCIS

Chapter CLXV. THE COMMUNICATION OF THE SERVANTS RESPECTING THE LAKE
FAMILY

Chapter CLXVI. THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER.−THE NIGHT WATCH

Chapter CLXVII. THE VAMPIRE’S FEAST. — THE ALARM AND THE PURSUIT

Chapter CXVIII. THE MEETING IN ST. JAMES’S PARK

Chapter CLXIX. THE CHURCHYARD AT HAMPSTEAD. — THE RESUSCITATION OF A
VAMPIRE

Chapter CLXX. THE VAMPYRE. — THE FLIGHT. — THE WATCHMAN IN THE VALE OF
HEALTH

Chapter CLXXI. MISS LAKE PASSES A FEARFUL NIGHT. — THE IMPOSTOR PUNISHEMENT

Chapter CLXXII. THE VAMPYRE DISCOVERED. — THE ESCAPE ON THE THAMES

Chapter CLXXIII. THE PLOT DISCOVERED. — THE LETTER LEFT AT THE HOTEL BY
THE VAMPYRE

Chapter CLXXIV. THE MEETING IN THE MORNING AT THE HOTEL — THE
PREPARATIONS OF THE ATTORNEY

Chapter CLXXV. THE VAMPYRE’S VISIT TO THE BARRACKS AT KINGSTON. — THE
YOUNG OFFICER

Chapter CLXXVI. AN ECLAIRCISSEMENT. — THE INNOCENT TRIUMPHANT

Chapter CLXXVIII. THE VAMPYRE HAS SERIOUS THOUGHTS. — THE DREAM. — THE
RESOLUTION

Chapter CLXXIX. THE SCOTCH PACKET SHIP. — THE SUICIDE

Chapter CLXXX. THE OLD MANOR HOUSE. — THE RESCUE. — VARNEY’S DESPAIR

Chapter CLXXXI. A FAMILY SCENE. — THE SISTERS. — THE HORRIBLE ALARM

Chapter CLXXXII. THE SEXTON’S AVARICE. — THE DEAD AND THE LIVING. — THE
RING

Chapter CLXXXIII. THE RECOVERY. — THE SEXTON’S FRIGHT. — THE COMPACT

Chapter CLXXXIV. THE NIGHT ALARM. — THE VAMPYRE’S ATTACK UPON THE
BRIDE

Chapter CLXXXV. THE DEFILE IN THE ROCKS. — THE HORSEMAN AND THE
ACCIDENT

Chapter CLXXXVI. THE DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE GRANGE. — THE NEWS OF
DESPAIR. — THE FINDING THE BODY

Chapter CLXXXVII. THE SICK CHAMBER AT THE GRANGE. — THE NIGHT

Chapter CLXXXVIII. A MIDNIGHT ALARM. — THE CHASE. — THE MYSTERY

Chapter CLXXXIX. THE SIGHT OF TERROR. — THE DOCTOR’S SUSPICIONS. — THE
NIGHT WATCH

Chapter CXC. FAMILY TROUBLES. — THE HOUSE OF MOURNING

Chapter CXCI. THE NIGHT WATCH. — THE SURPRISE. — THE CHASE

Chapter CXCII. THE FUNERAL. — A STRANGE INCIDENT

Chapter CXCIII. THE STRANGE VISITOR TO THE OLD CHURCH AT NIGHT

Chapter CXCIV. WILL STEPHEN’S VISIT TO THE FAMILY VAULT WITH THE SAW−DUST,
AND WHAT HE SAW THERE

Chapter CXCV. THE APPARITION IN THE CHURCH. — WILL STEPHENS’ SWOON. — THE
MORNING

Chapter CCX. THE ALARM FROM THE BELFRY. — THE BEADLE IN A QUANDARY.

Chapter CXCVII. THE CLERGYMAN’S VISIT TO THE VAULT. — RESCUE OF THE
SEXTON

Chapter CXVIII. THE YOUNG LOVER’S MIDNIGHT WATCH

Chapter CXCIX. THE HORRORS OF THE GRAVE. — A FRIGHTFUL ADVENTURE

Chapter CC. THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. — THE STONE SLAB. — THE VAMPIRE

Chapter CCI. THE YOUNG GIRL IN THE VILLAGE, AND THE AWFUL VISIT.

Chapter CCII. THE AWFUL SUPPOSITION — A RESOLUTION

Chapter CCIII. THE GRAND CONSULTATION AT THE ALE−HOUSE. — THE AWFUL
SUGGESTION

Chapter CCIV. THE NIGHT WATCH. — THE VAULT

Chapter CCV. THE MADMAN. — THE VAMPYRE

Chapter CCVII. THE HUNT OF THE VAMPYRE

Chapter CCVII. THE FATE OF SIR GEORGE. — THE CROSS ROAD

Chapter CCVIII. THE SOLITARY MAN. — VARNEY’S DESPAIR

Chapter CCIX. THE STRANGE GUEST. — THE LITTLE CHAPEL. — VARNEY’S
NARRATIVE

Chapter CXCVII. VARNEY OPENS THE VAST STORE−HOUSE OF HIS MEMORY

Chapter CCXI. THE FLIGHT OF THE VAMPYRE. — THE MASS

Chapter CCXII. THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

Chapter CCXIII. VARNEY GIVES SOME PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF

Chapter CCXIV. A SINGULAR INTERVIEW, AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF PASSION

Chapter CCXV. VARNEY’S NARATIVE CONTINUED

chapter CCXVI. THE NIGHT ATTACK. — THE HORRIBLE CONCLUSION

Chapter CCXVII. VARNEY DETAILS HIS SECOND DEATH

Chapter CCXVIII. THE PALACE GARDEN IN ST. JAMES’S.

Chapter CCXIX. AN ADVENTURE.−THE CARBINE SHOT.−THE DEATH

Chapter CCXX. THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF VARNEY THE VAMPYRE, AND
CONCLUSION

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1. In their tables of contents, most copies of Varney the Vampire list the third chapter in the following way: CHAPTER III.—THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE BODY.—FLORA’S RECOVERY AND MADNESS.—THE OFFER OF ASSISTANCE FROM SIR FRANCIS VARNEY. However, Sir Francis Varney does not offer his assistance until chapter 5, when he sends a letter to Bannerworth household, so there is an obvious error. Most copies of Varney the Vampire state the fifth chapter contains the following segments: CHAPTER V.—THE NIGHT WATCH.—THE PROPOSAL.—THE MOONLIGHT.—THE FEARFUL ADVENTURE. This is another error. The fifth chapter does not begin with the night watch. It begins with the aforementioned offer of assistance. However, the third chapter ends with a night watch. I have amended both chapter segments (swapped things around) so that they reflect the true content of each chapter.

2. According to all the copies I have been able to check, Varney the Vampire, chapter VII contains the following segments: THE VISIT TO THE VAULT OF THE BANNERWORTHS, AND ITS UNPLEASANT RESULT.—THE MYSTERY. This does not reflect the true content of the chapter, which focuses on the exploits of Henry, George, Mr. Marchdale, and Mr. Mr. Chillingworth. The chapter begins with them making a trip to the church, breaking in, and gaining access to the vault. The chapter ends with the four men arriving in the vault and lighting a candle. Nothing unpleasant happens, and there is no mystery. I have amended the segment list accordingly.

3. According to all the copies I have been able to check, chapter XXIV contains the following segments: The Letter to Charles | The Quarrel | The Admiral’s Narrative | The Midnight Meeting. This not entirely accurate. The quarrel between Charles and the Admiral happens prior to Charles receiving the letter from Sir Francis Varney, and the midnight meeting, though mentioned in the letter, does not occur until a later chapter. I have modified the list of segments accordingly.

4. According to all the copies I have been able to check, chapter XXX contains the following: THE VISIT OF FLORA TO THE VAMPYRE.—THE OFFER.—THE SOLEMN ASSEVERATION. However, Flora does not visit the vampire. She spends the entire chapter walking in the garden with the Admiral, who makes her a very generous offer, and also makes an asseveration relating to his nephew,  so I have removed the reference to Flora and the vampire, who does not feature in the chapter at all.

5. According to all the copies I have been able to check, Varney the Vampire, chapter XXXIII contains the following segments: THE STRANGE INTERVIEW.—THE CHASE THROUGH THE HALL. However, the chapter does not feature either of these things, or any interaction between the characters. After what could be deemed a strange interview in the previous chapter, Varney the vampire takes a walk to the Summerhouse in the grouonds of Bannerworth Hall, where he is suprised to encouter Flora, who is sleepwalking. The chapter ends with Varny advancing on the somnambulistic young lady.

6. According to all the copies I have been able to check, Varney the Vampire, chapter XXXV contains the following segments: THE EXPLANATION | MARCHDALE’S ADVICE | THE PROJECTED REMOVAL, AND THE ADMIRAL’S ANGER. The Admiral does not feature in the chapter, so I have removed the last reference from the segment list because it does not accurately reflect the content of the chapter. The scene with his anger actually occurs in chapter XXXVI.

7. According to all the copies I have been able to check, chapter XXXVI contains the following segments: THE CONSULTATION | THE DUEL AND ITS RESULTS. There is no duel in this chapter, so I have removed the reference to it. I have also added THE PROJECTED REMOVAL, AND THE ADMIRAL’S ANGER. This was wrongly attributed to chapter XXXV. It surely belongs in Chapter XXXVI because the Admiral loses his temper with Mr. Marchdale and throws an inkstand at him.

8. The Project Gutenburg copy of Varney the Vampire, and the many copies based on it, state this chapter contains the following: THE MOB’S ARRIVAL AT SIR FRANCIS VARNEY’S | THE ATTEMPT TO GAIN ADMISSION. The same claim is made for the chapter that follows. It’s true for the coming chapter, but not for this one. I have provided a new description that more accurately indicates the contents of this chapter: A Scene of Terror: The Soldiers’ Discovery | The Confrontation in the Attic.

9. Despite indications to the contrary in the Project Gutenburg copy of Varney the Vampire and the many copies based on it, this chapter does not contain any adventures involving, or references to, “a mysterious hat”.

10. The Project Gutenburg copy of Varney the Vampire, along with all the many alternative versions that are based on it, states this chapter contain “The Vampyre’s Attack Upon the Constable“. It does not. The entire chapter is about a meeting that takes place in the old ruin. It’s an enlightening chapter that reveals something many readers may have suspected all along.

11. The Project Gutenburg copy of Varney the Vampire, along with all the many alternative versions that are based on it, state this chapter contains “The Arrival of the Mob at the Hall, and Their Dispersion”. It does not. The entire chapter details “The Strange Story” the mysterious friend of Varney shares with Mr Chillingworth.

12. According to all the copies I have been able to check, this chapter contains the following segments: The Excited Populace.—Varney Hunted.—The Place of Refuge. It doesn’t. The chapter begins with Charles Holland returning to the  Bannerworth household after his talk with Varney the Vampire. The focus then moves to a quarrel between the Admiral and Jack Pringle.

13.  Chapter LXXXVIII of the Project Gutenburg book of Varney the Vampire (Chapter LXXXVI in this copy) is close to 18,000 words long—that’s novella length. I have split this into three smaller chapters (LXXXV, LXXXVI, and LXXXVII) to facilitate more sensible reading. I have also created appropriate segment headings to indicate the chapter contents.

14. This statement is true at the time of writing (January 2026). However, it is possible that, in the future, the site may provide all three volumes of Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood.

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