Wordsworth House celebrates opening with free entry for locals

Wordsworth House and Gardens will be offering Easter trails, family fun and a new exhibition on stories from the past when it opens for the season on Saturday, April 1.

Gabrielle Ellis on the terrace of Wordsworth House with her mother and Rufus the dog in the 1930s (Image: National Trust Images)

The exhibition has been a team effort, with National Trust staff working alongside the town's Heritage Group at Kirkgate Arts and local people.

'Much favor'd in my birthplace' features memories of the poet's former home and town, telling how local people saved the site from becoming a bus station, its time as a doctor’s surgery and how it has been the home of many throughout the 20th century.

Odille Ellis, aged 9, at Wordsworth House in 1935 (Image: National Trust Images)

Zoe Gilbert, the house’s visitor experience and operations manager, said: “It’s been a joy working with the Heritage Group at Kirkgate Arts - who have been super helpful and knowledgeable and loaned us images and objects, and local people.

"We’ve found out so many new stories about the house and town.

"Past residents of Wordsworth House have shared their memories of this special place and other local people tell stories of school, fun and work in this much-loved market town.

"We’re hoping that people may have more tales and photos to share with us throughout the year.”

The house was a doctor’s surgery from 1907, and from 1931 to 1937 it was owned by GP Edward Ellis and his wife Gabrielle. It was also their family home.

"Odille (Toni) Woods nee Ellis, the doctor’s daughter was interviewed by us in 2012. She' has since died," said Zoe.

"We've made a film of her memories for the project and several other short ones about life in the house and Cockermouth 1930s - 2002."

In the kitchen at Wordsworth House (Image: National Trust Images)

The Easter Egg trail, which takes place through the spring blossoms in the garden, runs until Sunday, April 16. There will also be craft activities.

Wordsworth House and Garden is offering free entry to anyone with a Cumbrian postcode on April 1 and 2. Opening days are Saturday to Wednesday, 10am-4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

The price of the trail is £3 per child.

Evening talks with coffee and cake start on April 20, kicking off with award-winning author and RSPB Haweswater manager Lee Schofield for Wild Fell, as he shares the personal and professional challenges involved in working at the coal-face of nature conservation.