SAMUEL WORDSWORTH stayed at Rydal Mount, Ambleside where it shows him visiting in 1840. Whilst there he became good friends with his neighbours George and Mary Vernon.

Mary's first child Emma was a poorly mite and passed away at 6 months, Mary went on to have a second daughter (Mary) and then went on to have twin daughters Lucy and Ellen but poor Mary never lived to see them grow up and passed away not long after they were baptised in 1829.  Lucy also passed away a few months after her mother in 1831

This tragedy inspired him to pen a poem part of which can be seen on the wall in St Mary's. The full published version in 1895 contains some minor updates and a couple of extra verses.

Whilst probably not his best work, it is nice to know that such a great romantic poet wandered these landscapes and gave him ideas for future works.

The full version is below (the italics represent the inscription on the church wall, his alterations in brackets)

By a blest Husband guided Mary Came
From nearest kindred, Vernon her new name
She came, though meek of soul in seemly pride
Of happiness and hope, a youthful Bride
O dread reverse! if ought be so, which proves
That God will Chasten whom he dearley loves
Faith bore her up through pains in mercy given
And troubles that were each a step to Heaven,
Two babes were laid in earth before she died
A third now slumber at her Mother's side
It's Sister-twin survives, whoes smiles afford (impart)
A trembling solace to her (fathers heart) widowed Lord

Reader! if to thy bosom cling thr epain
of recent sorrow combated in vain
Or if they cherished grief have failed to thwart
Time still intent on his insidious part
Lulling the mouner's best good throughts asleep
Pilfering regrets we would but cannot keep
Bear with him - judge (those) HIM gently who makes known 
His bitter loss by this memorial Stone
And pray that in his faithful breast the grace
Of resignation find a hallowed place