William Wordsworth’s Former Residence

William Wordsworth’s Former Residence

William Wordsworth (April 7, 1770 – April 23, 1850), a British Romantic poet on par with Shelley and Byron, is best known for co-authoring "Lyrical Ballads" with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, as well as long poems like "The Prelude" and "The Excursion." He served as Poet Laureate, was one of the Lake Poets, and is considered one of the most important English poets since the Renaissance.

William Wordsworth’s former residence is called Dove Cottage, located in the small village of Grasmere in England’s Lake District. For over eight years from December 1799 to 1808, Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy lived here in seclusion; it was also during this time that he wrote some of his most enduring poetry. In 1890, the Wordsworth Trust took over the property, and it was opened to the public in 1891.

Currently, William Wordsworth’s former residence has been designated as a Grade I listed historical building in the UK. This early 17th-century grayish-white house is covered in crimson rose vines that creep all over the cottage. Dove Cottage is modest and compact, with only a few small rooms inside. The interior remains as it was when the poet lived there, featuring not only manuscripts and records but also items like his travel passport and suitcase. On the walls of one upstairs room, yellowed newspapers from the period are pasted, their print still clearly legible. Around 70,000 visitors come here every year to pay homage.

Dove Cottage

Must-visit reason: The former home of Britain’s greatest Lake Poet

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Cumbria County [Cumbria County]