Information
It was during one of the periods of depression from which he suffered for much of his life that the poet William Cowper came to Margate in August 1763. Here he found some distraction from his anxieties, but returning to London in the autumn, he became so tormented by the prospect of a forthcoming public law examination that he attempted several times to commit suicide. Recovering from his brush with near madness with the help of sympathetic medical care and the support of friends, Cowper went on to write his best known works – ‘A Tale in Verse’ (1781), ‘Poems’ (1782), ‘The Task’ (1785). He still remained prey to religious melancholia , but his letters convey a gentle wit and an unaffected interest in the everyday world. In them he recalled his visit to Margate with a perspicacious and self-deprecating humour.
Quotations
But you think Margate more lively – So is a Cheshire Cheese full of Mites more Lively than a Sound one, but that very Liveliness only proves its Rottenness. I remember too that Margate tho’ full of company, was generally filled with such Company , as People who were Nice in the choice of their Company, were rather fearfull of keeping Company with. The Hoy went to London every Week Loaded with Mackarel & Herrings, and return’d Loaded with Company. The Cheapness of the Conveyance made it equally commodious for Dead Fish and Lively Company...
I remember taking a Walk upon the Strand at Margate where the Cliff is high & perpendicular. At long Intervals there are Cartways cut thro’ the rock down to the Beach, and there is no other way of Access to it, or of Return from it. I walk’d near a mile upon the Water Edge, without observing that the Tide was rising fast upon me. When I did observe it , it was almost too late. I ran every Step back again, and had much ado to save my Distance. I mention this as a Caution , lest you should happen at any time to be surprized as I was. It would be very unpleasant to be forced to cling like a Cat to the Side of a Precipice, & perhaps hardly possible to do it for 4 Hours without any Respite.
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 | Here he found some distraction from his anxieties, but returning to London in the autumn, he became so tormented by the prospect of a forthcoming public law examination that he attempted several times to commit suicide... |
