There are lots of famous names associated with the Lake
District – from poets to painters and writers to world record holding
legends. They were drawn here by the
beautiful and varied landscape and they, in turn, drew others here with their
writings, pictures and adventures.
Turner
I don’t know a lot about painting but I do know Turner
painted one of the most famous views in Cumbria – Ruskin’s view (I’m sure
there’s a reason it’s not called Turner’s view isn’t there?). The painting itself is in private hands but you can
pop along to Kirkby Lonsdale to see the view “in person” anytime you fancy.
(Look out for the multicoloured barn in the middle of the view too – the result
of a difference of opinion between the farmer and the local council.)
 |
| Ruskin's / Turner's View |
Wordsworth
One of our most famous poets and this was one of his
favourite haunts. When we were
researching our book I read a few of his poems and was particularly enjoyed TheWaggoner which paints a wonderful picture of life along Dunmail Raise – though
it does also read like the saga of a rather good pub crawl....
 |
| Thirlmere - where Benjamin The Waggoner travelled |
Ruskin
I’m pretty sure that if Ruskin were around now he’d be a
blogger. He was an art critic and writer
and had something to say on pretty much any given subject. He wrote a bit about Turner – “Ruskin’s View
of Turner” perhaps – and he lived in Brantwood at the top end of Coniston Water
on the opposite side to the town (large apricot building – you can’t miss it.)
 |
| Brantwood - photobombed! :-D |
Wainwright
Never credited with being a “people person”, Wainwright has
arguably left more of a mark on the region than most. His iconic books with their immaculate hand
drawn illustrations can be found on the bookshelves of pretty much everyone who
loves The Lakes. Each year thousands of
people continue on their quest to “bag” all 214 of the summits he
describes. Most of them don’t try to do
it in one year. Or 214 days. Steve did.
Steve is bonkers.
 |
| Steve on Castle Crag - his final "Wainwright" |
Ransome
I never read Swallows and Amazons when I was younger but
I’ve read it now – inspired by a mix of Coniston and Windermere and sure to
instantly instil a desire to go sailing...
The books are definitely “of their time” and describe a wonderfully
idealistic childhood of nannies, friendly farmers dishing out fresh milk and
fabulous adventures with a bunch of friends.
 |
| "Wild Cat Island" |
Campbell
If you’re interested in Donald Campbell then there are 2
places you need to visit – Coniston water to see the site of his ill fated
attempt on the world water speed record, and the Lakeland Motor Museum at
Backbarrow where there’s a wonderful exhibition of his vehicles and his life.
 |
| Campbell Memorial & another photobomb! |
Potter
Hilltop is the National Trust property where she lived and
is well worth a visit, if only for the rather wonderful Tower Bank Arms pub
next door which does wonderful food and even better cider. She loved the Lake District, helped to save
Herdwick sheep from oblivion and protected vast tracts of land which are now in
the safe care of the National Trust.
 |
| Herdy |
 |
| Herdy |
Gaining World Heritage Site Status would enable to Lake
District National Park Authority to better highlight the contribution these,
and others, made to the evolution of the landscape. You can learn more about the bid and register
your support by clicking here.
To go back to day 1 of the blog, please click here. (Where have you been??!!)http://www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk/
No comments:
Post a Comment