history & heritage of grasmere & rydal...
Painters, writers and poets started exploring the Lake District in the mid 18th century in search of the picturesque and romantic notions of beauty. William Wordsworth (1770-1850) described the vale as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found' and came to live here in 1799. He spent much time walking in the area, composing lines of poetry based on what he experienced.
His most inspirational years were spent at Dove Cottage (1799-1808). He and his family then moved to the more spacious Allan Bank (1808-1811), followed by a short stint at the Rectory (1811-1814) and lastly to Rydal Mount (1814-1850). Fellow poets and writers, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey and Sir Walter Scott, were frequent guests of the Wordsworths.
Once the new turnpike roads were completed in the late 18th century and the railway had arrived in Windermere in 1847, Victorian tourists came in their droves to experience the landscapes that had inspired the Lake Poets. Gradually Grasmere, Rydal and Ambleside acquired large new hotels to accommodate the new tourists, many dating from the late 19th century. The area was also sought out by wealthy businessmen seeking holiday homes amidst scenic splendour (many of these fine houses have since been converted into hotels or guest houses).
Grasmere has long been associated with a spicy gingerbread, first made by Sarah Nelson using a secret recipe. Its reputation as a sweet delicacy was well known and became an attraction for Victorian travellers coming to see Wordsworth's grave. The old Gingerbread Shop next to the church still makes gingerbread to the traditional recipe, and now sells the famous confectionery all over the world.
