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.

Just last week we reported how a tourist had an issue with Scafell Pike, saying it was "too windy, cold and dull". This week, a tourist has an issue with William Wordsworth not inviting him in for tea and biscuits.

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.”

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.