William Wordsworth’s cherished home, Rydal Mount in Cumbria’s Lake District, is under threat of disappearing from public access as it faces sale priced over £2.5 million. This historic Grade I listed property, where the famed Romantic poet lived from 1813 until his death in 1850, has been open to the public for decades. Now, amidst post-pandemic visitor declines, a high-profile campaign led by his great great great great granddaughter Charlotte Wontner has mobilized famous actors and literary figures to safeguard this unique piece of literary heritage.

The campaign brought together prominent supporters including Brian Cox, renowned for his role in Succession, Miriam Margolyes, Tom Conti, and children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce. These advocates emphasize that Rydal Mount, surrounded by five acres of gardens designed by Wordsworth himself, is more than a home — it is a "living museum" linking present and past.

Brian Cox highlighted the urgency, saying, “It’s too often we are losing our incredible links with the past and this is one major link that we cannot lose.” Miriam Margolyes echoed these sentiments: “This treasure belongs to the nation – as much as it does William Wordsworth.” Their calls stress the importance of preserving access not only for poetry lovers but also for environmentalists and artists who find inspiration there.

The house has been managed by the Wordsworth family since the late 1960s, with Christopher Wordsworth, a current descendant involved in its sale, expressing the challenges of remote management from London. Visitor numbers have dropped from 45,000 pre-pandemic to just over 20,000, making financial sustainability difficult.

Charlotte Wontner says maintaining public access is essential: “The gardens are where Wordsworth wrote many of his poems. Visitors experience a wonderful sense of closeness to his poetry and passion for nature.” She notes this connection is increasingly relevant as Wordsworth’s environmental appreciation speaks powerfully in contemporary times.

The campaign seeks financial backers, cultural institutions, and conservation groups to unite in preserving Rydal Mount. The goal is clear: keep this historic site open, vibrant, and accessible for future generations seeking solace and inspiration, just as visitors have for over fifty years.

By protecting Rydal Mount, England preserves a vital national treasure — a beacon of literary genius, historical significance, and natural beauty in the Lake District. The pleas from celebrated actors and Wordsworth’s own family mark a crucial moment in cultural heritage preservation.

As debates continue, it’s clear that Rydal Mount embodies not just a home but the enduring spirit of William Wordsworth’s legacy, inviting everyone to cherish and protect this extraordinary link to the past.