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Derwent Island
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Derwent Island
Derwent Island, which was known as Vicar's Island and which is one of four islands on Derwent Water, is the only one that is inhabited. The 1840's Italiante house is set in a garden on a wooded island, which is not visible from the shore. The house, however, reveals itself once you walk up the tree lined path from the jetty.
Derwent Island, which was originally owned by the Monks at Fountains Abbey and then by royalty for some time, was sold to a group of Germans in the 16th century when they came to Keswick to work in the local mines. Apparently they secluded themselves on the island because they did not feel welcome on the shore. They made themselves self sufficient on the island by keeping animals, building a bakehouse, growing their own vegetables and even brewing their own beer. Joseph Pocklington bought the island in 1778 and built the house, a chapel and a small fort. In 1844 Henry Marshall bought the island and commissioned Anthony Salvin, an architect, to add a three storey tower and an additional wing to Joseph Pocklington's original house.
The National Trust, who were given the island in the 1950's, let it out to tenants on a long term basis for a considerable sum. The tenants, however, are responsible for the upkeep of the house and garden, and, as part of the tenancy agreement the tenants, since 1995, have to allow the public to visit the house and garden for five days each year.
Accommodation near Derwent Island
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Windermere Bowness on Windermere Ambleside Coniston Hawkshead Keswick
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