WILLIAM Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount between Windermere and Grasmere has welcomed a new curator.

Leo Finighan has taken up duties at historic house and has begun his role in caring for the building and grounds that so inspired the iconic Lakeland poet.

Leo’s MA in literature, romanticism and the English Lake District at Ambleside campus, along with his passion for the internationally acclaimed luminary, proved to be instrumental in him reaching the job.

Leo said: “It is the dream job and I’m only here because my lecturer, Associate Professor Penny Bradshaw, not only introduced me to the Romantics but was a significant influence when it came to applying to be curator. Saying she is inspiring is an understatement.

“This is a very special place and where Wordsworth produced his incredibly influential Illustrated Guide to the Lakes, prefaced with the River Duddon Sonnets.

"In his time here, he saw his beloved Lake District become a tourist destination, but that is another story.

“I’m most excited to be securing funding from projects ranging from replacing the roof to cataloguing Rydal Mount’s collection. I’ve already starting on the library and some 400 books owned by the great man.

“It’s a treasure trove. I’ve discovered many first editions, letters, notes and memorabilia, slipped between pages from two centuries ago, which makes the lives of those who lived here so much more real.”

Estate owner and descendent, Christopher Wordsworth Andrew said: “Leo not only loves Wordsworth but knows a lot more about him than the family.

“He brings an enthusiasm to launch us out of Covid in a very positive state of mind.”