Hawkshead is famous for its literary connections.
It does not take a great deal of imagination for the visitor to see the reason why so many writers and poets have been attracted to the Lake District, drawing inspiration from its beautiful and dramatic scenery
The most famous of these was William Wordsworth, who lived in the Lake District for about sixty of his eighty years, following his early education at the Grammar School in Hawkshead.
The children’s author, Beatrix Potter, also came to live in the Lake District following the success of her early stories. She lived for some of this time at nearby Hill Top, Sawrey, where many of her famous stories were written. She later married a local solicitor William Heelis, whose old office is now the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead.
Other famous writers and poets who have lived and worked in the Lake District include; Samuel Taylor Coleridge - John Ruskin - Robert Southey… Thomas de Quincey - Arthur Ransome.
Of all the Lakeland poets and writers it was Wordsworth whose poems are perhaps the most famous. His poem ‘Daffodils’ inspired by the site of daffodils on the shores of Ullswater still remains one of the most famous and popular in the English language.
From 1779 until 1787 William and his brother Richard attended the Grammar School in Hawkshead, following the death of their mother. They lodged with Mr & Mrs Tyson in the village until 1783 and then at Colthouse.
Ann Tyson’s Cottage is still standing in the village. It is currently a private house, let as a self-catering property, and whilst not open to the public, can be viewed from outside.
At the Grammar School William developed his interests - receiving encouragement to read and write poetry. Pay a visit to the school, and perhaps rather surprisingly, find his initials carved into one of the desks.
Following his return from university, Wordsworth went to live at Dove Cottage, Grasmere, before moving to Rydal Mount, Rydal.
Useful websites for further information on William Wordsworth:
For anyone interested in the writings and other works of Beatrix Potter, no visit to the Lake District would be complete without seeing the display of her original sketches in the Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead, or visiting her home Hill Top, at nearby Sawrey.
Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top with the royalties earned from her Peter Rabbit book. Admirers of the author’s stories who are searching for Peter will find the garden still reflects his adventures. They will also find many references to the stories in the area, and those with a keen eye may even spot some of the buildings that appeared in the author’s illustrations.
The books about Mr McGregor, Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all written during her time at Hill Top, with Beatrix Potter drawing inspiration from the house and beautiful scenery, much of which is still as we find it today.
It would be easy for the visitor, with recent recollections of the ‘Miss Potter’ film, to forget that Beatrix Potter was a lot more than a children’s author. She spent a lot of time when she was young in the Lake District, and found an interest in fungi and fungi hunting. She drew many detailed scientific drawings of the fungi and other items of natural history that she came across.
Many of her more academic works/sketches are displayed at the Armitt Collection Ambleside. The library contains a large collection of her watercolours and drawings, and there is a display on her life in the museum. Appointments are necessary to view items not on permanent display. Tel. 015394 31212
Beatrix Potter was also a great conservationist and an early supporter of the National Trust, using the proceeds from her book sales to save and secure many local farms and land. When she died in 1943, she left 4000 acres of land to the National Trust, including 14 farms.
A firm favourite with the children (and adults) is the World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness on Windermere. An annually changing exhibition brings Beatrix Potter's characters and settings to life, with videos telling her life story and featuring in particular her connections with the National Trust. Tel: 015394 88444
(www.hop-skip-jump.com)
Useful websites for further information on Beatrix Potter:
‘For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.’
‘Discover the real world of Peter Rabbit, Mr McGregor, Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck.’
