Unesco award reinforces the Lake District’s literary culture and appeal
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Places provide inspiration
We think of places as physical entities yet for many people they represent much more than this.
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Just recently the Lake District was awarded the status of a Unesco World Heritage site. It is a feat achieved after agreeing that a natural setting reflects the ultimate power of creativity, among other factors.
Throughout history the natural world has served as inspiration for some of the greatest works of literature, photography and art. The Lake District can attest to this having been the catalyst for beautiful poetry as well as the creations of Beatrix Potter.
Romantic poets such as Wordsworth and Blake were enthralled by the Lake District. They found in it a sublime peace and quiet. Picturesque scenes of the sweeping lakes, surrounded by grass, were symbolised in their works as portraits of a peasant style of existence. It was one countering the frantic pace of life in the city.
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By no means a by product of their creations, this idea was at the forefront of their thinking. They were showing reverence for the senses, imagination and mystery of the natural world. The poets illustrate how it is possible to be inspired by place.
Insofar as proving the creative power of the land, the unique literary culture of the Lake District no doubt proves its ability to inspire generations past, present and future. Imagery that was conjured in the process lives on thereafter. Well known poems and novels written around the setting are “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, and Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”.
The area is also well known for rain, however at this time of year it offers an opportunity to experience some welcome coolness especially for those experiencing heat waves in other parts of the world.
Boasting what is supposedly the most stunning scenery in the UK, countryside is combined with lakes, wildlife, little shops and traditional pubs. Windermere and Keswick are the main attractions.
Furthermore, the area has lately been praised for its dining establishments as well as local produce of chocolate and cheese.
The Unesco accreditation confirms that the Lake District is one of the world’s natural treasures associated with a plethora of literary successes.
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