Dove Cottage is unique in that nowhere else can so much of a major writer's work still be seen in the place where it was written and largely inspired.  The Jerwood Foundation's early recognition of the need for proper storage and research facilities was instrumental in making the case to funders, planners and other agencies.  Ultimately it enabled the Wordsworth archive to remain in the heart of the Lake District, its rightful home.

- Mark Bains, Development Manger, The Wordsworth Trust

  • The Foundation's capital grant of £500,000 towards the Wordsworth Trust's research centre proved critical in providing the partnership funding which...

    The Foundation's capital grant of £500,000 towards the Wordsworth Trust's research centre proved critical in providing the partnership funding which unlocked a Heritage Lottery grant.

    Making use of traditional lakeland materials and blending with the existing buildings, the three storey Jerwood Centre, close to Dove Cottage, the former home of the poet William Wordsworth in Grasmere, was opened by the poet and Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney (1939-2013) on 2nd June 2005. 

    The Jerwood Centre provides climate-controlled conditions to house the Trust's exensive collection of 64,000 manuscripts, paintings, books and memorabilia relating to the great British Romantic poets and includes Wordworth's own library. 

    Photo: Charlotte Wood
  • The Wordsworth Trust marked the 250th Anniversary of the birth of William Wordsworth in 2020. William Wordsworth's lifemask by Benjamin...

    The Wordsworth Trust marked the 250th Anniversary of the birth of William Wordsworth in 2020.

    William Wordsworth's lifemask by Benjamin Robert Haydon in the Reading Room, Jerwood Centre. Photo: Charlotte Wood

  • I think it is wonderful that the Jerwood not only exists for tourists and visitors, but is so inclusive meaning that we locals can feel it is a part of our community, that we all share in it as a fantastic resource together.

    Polly Gee, Grasmere