Lake Windermere

The History

With early settlers dating back to over 5,000 years ago, the area quickly became the source of stone for axes and the sites of stone circles.

The development of the Grade 1-listed Townend House in Troutbeck began between the 15th and 16th centuries, and some of it is still standing today.

By the 18th century, canals were constructed to allow for easier access for visitors and transportation of coal.

In 1840 the first railway was introduced, connecting London to Kendal and providing a relatively fast way of transportation for the wealthier members of society. This is often referred to as the beginning of tourism in the Lake District.

The introduction of the railway also encouraged local entrepreneurs to begin establishing their own enterprises, and by the middle of the 19th century the Lake District was home to many successful businesses that could now trade with ease and efficiency.

An example of this was Stott Park Bobbin Mill, which at one point manufactured half of the bobbins used in the world’s entire textile industry.

The mining industry was also to feel the benefits from the development in transport links, and opportunities skyrocketed, transporting iron ore and steel to further afield than ever before.

In 1810 a guide book was published that was to evolve the future of tourism in the Lake District forever; William Wordsworth’s Guide to the Lakes mapped not only points of significance and natural beauty within the location, but also how the individual should view certain points to achieve an all-encompassing feeling known as the sublime.

At this time in history, Wordsworth’s poetry was immensely popular, and due to this he was quickly awarded celebrity status. Consequently, when his Guide to the Lakes was published, tourists flocked in their thousands to catch a glimpse of the sights that Wordsworth regarded so highly.

Grand mansions began to crop up around the Lakes in popular areas such as Coniston, Ambleside and Windermere, and as they say, the rest is history!