A beloved literary landmark in the Lake District is under threat, prompting a desperate bid to save Rydal Mount from sale. Can this 19th-century poet’s home be preserved for future generations to enjoy?
Saving Rydal Mount: A National Treasure at Risk
The home of William Wordsworth, one of the most iconic figures in English literature, is facing a critical threat to its future. The 19th-century poet lived at Rydal Mount in the Lake District from 1813 until his death in 1850. This property, with its five acres of beautifully designed gardens, has been open to the public for most of the year since it was bought by Wordsworth’s descendants in the late 1960s.
Rydal Mount is a historic estate located in Cumbria, England.
The property was once the home of William Wordsworth, one of the most famous English poets.
Built in 1813, the house features a mix of Gothic and Georgian architectural styles.
The estate includes beautifully landscaped gardens and a tranquil atmosphere that inspired many of Wordsworth's works.
Today, Rydal Mount is open to visitors who can explore the house and its surroundings.
The Campaign to Save Rydal Mount
A campaign led by Charlotte Wontner, Wordsworth’s great great great great granddaughter, is underway to save Rydal Mount from being sold at a staggering £2.5m. ‘A living museum,’ where visitors can experience the poetry and legacy of William Wordsworth firsthand, describes Wontner. The gardens, where Wordsworth wrote many of his famous poems, are particularly significant, offering a unique connection to nature and the environment that is increasingly important in today’s world.
A Call to Action from Literary Figures
The campaign has garnered support from several prominent literary figures, including actors Brian Cox and Miriam Margolyes. ‘A treasure that belongs to the nation,’ says Cox, known for his roles in Succession and Troy. Margolyes, who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, agrees, saying that the property should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Brian Cox is a British physicist and broadcaster, known for his work in particle physics.
He has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, particularly in the areas of quantum mechanics and cosmology.
Cox has also gained recognition for his popular science books and television programs, including 'Wonders of the Solar System' and 'Human Universe'.
He is a professor at the University of Manchester and has received numerous awards for his work, including the 2004 Institute of Physics Kelvin Medal.
The children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has also joined the campaign, highlighting the importance of Rydal Mount as a place of solace and comfort. His cousin, Christopher Wontner, who is selling the house, has expressed support for the campaign, emphasizing the shared goal of finding a way to keep the property open to the public.
A Living Legacy
Rydal Mount offers more than just a glimpse into the life of William Wordsworth; it provides a tangible connection to the poet’s legacy and the natural world. The property’s gardens, designed by Wordsworth himself, are a testament to his love of nature and the environment. As ‘when people get there, there is this wonderful sense of being closer to the poetry,’ notes Wontner.
William Wordsworth was an English Romantic poet born on April 7, 1770, in Cumberland, England.
He is best known for his focus on nature and the human experience.
Wordsworth's poetry often explores themes of beauty, morality, and the relationship between the individual and society.
His most famous work, 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud', also known as 'Daffodils', features a vivid description of a natural scene that evokes a sense of wonder and awe.
Wordsworth was appointed Poet Laureate in 1843 and died on April 23, 1850.
The campaign to save Rydal Mount is not just about preserving a historic property; it’s about ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty and significance of Wordsworth’s work. By supporting this effort, we can help safeguard a piece of our cultural heritage for years to come.
