Wordsworth Trust celebrates anniversary with major revamp

To commemorate the poet William Wordsworth 250th anniversary in April 2020, The Wordsworth Trust has been granted GBP6.2m (€7.3m) to help bring the poet’s story into the 21st century.

The grant will be used for Reimagining Wordsworth, a project that will enhance Dove Cottage, Grasmere, where Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy and wrote one of his most famous works, Daffodils.

The Wordsworth Trust hope to preserve and enhance the significance of the cottage through a restoration that will recreate the home that Wordsworth would have known in 1800. The Wordsworth Museum will also be expanded and modernised with new galleries and an introductory exhibition, along with additional manuscripts.

A new learning space will accommodate a programme of year-round events for visitors of all ages and abilities. Michael McGregor, director of the trust, said, “By taking a fresh new look at his work, the project will bring his story up to date – and transform Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum into a dynamic destination for creativity, inspiration and enjoyment.”

Wordsworth is known for his love of nature, and drew inspiration on his surroundings for many of his poems. The orchard that he and his sister lovingly cared for will also be restored and recreated. To mark the intrinsic link between his writing and the local landscape, the project will open up a woodland space, promote new walking trails, and create a new courtyard in the heart of the site.

wordsworth.org.uk