The secrets of Mr Pocklington's Keswick island

Available for over a year

Over 200 years ago a wealthy eccentric bought Vicar's Island on Derwentwater and caused a scandal. Immune to criticism, the amateur architect built a house that was an eyesore, installed a fake pre-historic stone circle, and erected a mock fort bristling with canons. Andrew Carter reveals how Joseph Pocklington's crazy antics won over the public, and his annual Keswick Regatta became the social event of the Lakeland calendar, putting the town firmly on the tourist map forever.