This announcement is the cherry on the cake for the Wordsworth Trust which this week celebrates its 125th anniversary. 

With the help of HLF, the Wordsworth Museum’s world-class collection will be reinvigorated and expanded.  Exciting plans will enable a much more in-depth study of the life of one of the UK's greatest poets. The focus will be on a series of themes such as the human mind, democracy and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Town End 

Known as the global centre for British Romanticism, Town End -  the family home of William Wordsworth -  is home to both Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum. Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy lived in Dove Cottage from 1799 to 1808.

During this nine-year period of intense creativity, Wordsworth penned the immortal line: 'I wandered lonely as a cloud', inspired by the daffodils on the shores of Ullswater.

On its first public opening day, Dove Cottage in Town End - the family home of William Wordsworth - received four visitors, including a lady from Chicago who stumbled upon it by chance. The site now welcomes an impressive 50,000 visitors each year.

[quote=Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West]"We are delighted to be supporting these plans which promise to transform the Wordsworth story for a modern audience to enjoy.”[/quote]

Looking to the future

Proposals for the site include converting existing buildings into a visitor centre. Windows will be enlarged to bring in more light, and gardens and woodlands will be opened up for people to enjoy. 

Wordsworth Trust Director, Michael McGregor, said: “Thanks to the support of HLF, over the next four years we can reimagine Wordsworth, bringing his life and work to an even wider audience. The Wordsworth Trust is 125 years old this year - I can’t think of a better birthday present!”

Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West, added: “Wordsworth’s very name epitomises just how integral he is to the British literary story, and Town End offers a unique opportunity to explore his works within the beautiful setting that inspired them.

"We are delighted to be supporting these plans which promise to transform the Wordsworth story for a modern audience to enjoy.”