Rydal Mount was the home of renowned Cumbrian poet William Wordsworth from 1813 to 1850.

Wordsworth, whose poems included I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, lived there until his death at age 80.

Considering Wordsworth is an extremely well-known figure who, along with Samuel Coleridge, launched the Romantic Age in English literature, you'd expect most people to be aware he is, well, no longer with us.

A reviewer called Peter said in an online review his family’s trip to Wordsworth's family home was marred by William’s no-show.

Peter wrote: “Despite all the publicity about it being the home of William Wordsworth, he wasn’t in and when I asked when he would be home all I got was blank stares.”

The house now belongs to the descendants of the poet.

A reply from the current owner, Wordsworth's great great great great grandson, politely let Peter down.

It said: “I am sorry you missed him — he sadly died on 23rd April, 1850. However, I am his great great great great grandson — and I was here. I am sorry not to have met you!

"I should warn you that they are also dead"

He also warned him about two other Lakeland writers — John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter.

“I hope you will not be similarly disappointed if you visit Beatrix Potter’s house or Ruskin’s place at Coniston. But I should warn you that they are also dead.”

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One person replied: “Some people are spectacularly stupid.”

After his daughter Dora died in 1847, William went down to a small field between the house and the main road, and together with his wife, sister and gardener, planted hundreds of daffodils as a memorial to Dora. 

Dora’s Field now belongs to the National Trust.