This substantial but unpretentious house dating from 1745 was the childhood home of William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850).
His father, John Wordsworth, came to Cockermouth as agent to Sir James Lowther. William, the second son of the family, was born on 7 April 1770, almost two years before his brilliant and devoted sister Dorothy.
Wordsworth's happy childhood in Cockermouth profoundly influenced his later development. He loved the house and its garden that stretched down to the River Derwent and the ruined castle only a stone's throw away. The River Derwent is immortalised in his poem 'The Prelude'.
The terrace above the Derwent at the end of the garden was the favourite playground of William and Dorothy. Here William first felt the influence of his sister, who was to be the constant companion and inspiration of his life.
The death of their father when William was only thirteen, caused the break up of the family home.
The mid-Georgian house still looks much as it did when John Wordsworth came to Cockermouth.
The entrance front has sash windows with moulded stone architraves and a doorway sheltered by a porch with Doric columns.
Inside, seven of the family rooms have been furnished in elegant 18th century style.
There are many original features including the staircase, mid-18th century soft-wood panelling, fireplaces and brass door furniture.
Some of the pieces in the house belonged to Wordsworth in later life. These include the poet's Crown Derby dinner service, his sofa, and painted bookshelves. In the drawing room is the poet's bureau bookcase which contains some first editions of his works.
An engraved portrait of Southey, another of the 'Lake Poets' and poet laureate, hangs in Wordsworth House along with many other pictures of the poet's friends.
This austere 18th century house has become a place of pilgrimage for all those who have been inspired by William Wordsworth's work.
