Information
In a letter to a friend holidaying in Thanet in July 1779, the poet William Cowper recalled his own stay in the area 16 years before and recommended some places to visit, including Lord Holland’s estate at Kingsgate. This bizarre collection of buildings had just been constructed when Cowper saw it and since a good part of it consisted of sham ruins, he made some characteristically tongue-in –cheek remarks.
Quotations
There was not at that Time, much to be seen in the Isle of Thanet besides the Beauty of the Country & the fine Prospects of the Sea … One Sight however, I remember engaged my Curiosity & I went to See it. A Fine Piece of Ruins built by the late Lord Holland at a great Expence, which the Day after I saw it, Tumbled down for Nothing. Perhaps therefore it is still a ruin, and if it is I would advise you by all Means to Visit it, as it must have been much improved by this fortunate Incident. It is hardly possible to put Stones together with that Air of Wild & Magnificent Disorder which they are sure to acquire by falling of their own Accord.
Place | Extract |
| Kingsgate | In a letter to a friend holidaying in Thanet in July 1779, the poet William Cowper recalled his own stay in the area 16 years before and recommended some places to visit, including Lord Holland’s estate at Kingsgate... |
| Margate | He still remained prey to religious melancholia , but his letters convey a gentle wit and an unaffected interest in the everyday world... |
