The ‘Original’ Calvert Legacy
In 1794, orphaned and without anywhere to live, William and Dorothy Wordsworth were given their first home, just outside Keswick, rent free, by the Calvert Family. Raisley Calvert was a childhood friend of Wordsworth and believed in Wordsworth’s potential as a poet.
Raisley died, aged 21, of tuberculosis. In his Will, he left Wordsworth the legacy of £900 that was to give him the independence that would allow him to devote himself entirely to poetry and become the Poet Laureate we know today.
Wordsworth immortalised his friend’s legacy in published word:
‘Calvert! It must not be unheard by them who may respect my name,
that I to thee owed many years of early liberty’
Sonnet to the memory of Raisley Calvert
Thus was born, the spirit of Calvert Giving. Over two centuries later, we are so very grateful that it is still alive and well.
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Latest news
Lake District Calvert Trust to host Open Garden & Cream Tea Afternoon
The Lake District Calvert Trust is hosting an Open Garden & Cream Tea Afternoon on Sunday 16 July 2023.
Calvert Stables launches Summer Kids Club
With the summer holidays fast approaching, Calvert Stables has launched a programme of activities for children aged 12 years and under.
Over 100 guests raise £24,000 at Calvert’s Summer Ball
Over 100 guests attended the Lake District Calvert Trust’s Summer Ball at Armathwaite Hall on Friday – raising £24,000 for the charity.
