Begun in 1797, when William was at the height of his poetic powers, The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals provide invaluable insight into the daily lives of Dorothy and William Wordsworth, William’s friendship with Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the incidents that inspired some of his greatest poems. Richly immersive and intimately domestic, the Journals transport the listener to life in the Lake District 200 years ago as Dorothy describes the Lake District countryside, her garden and neighbours, keeping house, going on walks, and the people she meets along the way. The Journals brim with love and activity, and verge on poetry, with their vivid descriptions and their wisdom. They are a treat for any lover of Romantic poetry and the Lakes.
The Journals Of Dorophy Wordsworth. Dorothy Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth in 1771, being one year younger than her brother William. After their mother died in 1778 they were separated and did not return to the Lake District until 1794, when they spent two happy months walking around the hills near Keswick, eventually settling down near Grasmere in 1799. The journals that Dorothy kept are remarkable for the detailed observations she makes of the surrounding countryside and people, often providing glimpses of poverty and suffering, as well as displaying her complete love affair with nature. 'She gave me eyes, she gave me ears' said her brother William acknowledging the important contribution his sister made to his poetry, as both he and Coleridge drew heavily on the simple yet beautiful material provided by these journals. Dorothy and William lived at Dove Cottage from 1799-1813, when they moved to Rydal Mount, where they lived until they died, William in 1850 and Dorothy, five years later. Our production is performed by Jenny Agutter as Dorothy Wordsworth and Robin Welch as William Wordsworth.
