Joseph Pocklington’s Derwentwater Island and Its Enduring Legacy

The Lake District has consistently been a popular tourist destination, attracting numerous individuals who relocate to experience its appeal. However, affluent Joseph Pocklington went beyond this by acquiring his private island on Derwentwater, a move that provoked considerable disapproval, notably from poet William Wordsworth. Although his peers labeled Mr. Pocklington a man “with no taste whatsoever,” he was the originator of the Keswick Regatta, an event that persisted for many years following his passing. According to Sam Turnbull of Keswick Museum, “He didn’t really fit in and he believed that throwing enough money at the problem would make something happen – and by some miracle it did.” Derwent Island, as it is known, is currently under the ownership of the National Trust, remains occupied, and is accessible to the public five days annually. Mr. Pocklington, originating from a prosperous Nottinghamshire banking family, purchased the island in 1778. This acquisition occurred two years after his initial visit to Keswick, which took place during his return journey from a trip to Scotland. A framed map exhibited at Keswick Museum illustrates Mr. Pocklington’s architectural plans for the island, which encompassed a manor house and a simulated military edifice named Fort Joseph. Mr. Turnbull noted that Mr. Pocklington also constructed a boat house, a church, and a fabricated stone circle, which he tried to market as authentic. Mr. Turnbull further stated, “He had, I believe, a very admirable quality that is rather timeless – he doubled down.” He added, “And when he was told what he had done was a hideous mistake, he tripled down and he had the resources to do so.” Sarah Murray, author of a 1799 travel guide, famously remarked: “Mr Pocklington’s slime may be traced in every ​part of Keswick Vale.” Despite this, his Keswick Regatta gained popularity as an event in the local calendar, taking place from 1781 until 1849, significantly outliving his death in 1817. Mr. Turnbull characterized the event as a blend of a village sports day and a naval re-enactment, drawing in substantial numbers of tourists. The activities included boat races, foot races, Cumberland wrestling, and concluded with a naval battle. Mr. Pocklington collaborated with Peter Crosthwaite, a local resident, to provide financial support for the event. Mr. Crosthwaite, a former naval serviceman, would command boats equipped with cannons, simulating an assault on the island, with the sound of cannon fire audible as far as Catbells on the opposite side of the lake. Mr. Turnbull stated, “People paid for tickets to be manning the cannons, people paid to attend the event and it became – as supposedly tasteless as it was – a very popular social event.” The island was sold in 1798, and after Mr. Pocklington’s constructions were demolished, William Wordsworth commented that the island had been “rid of its puerility.”