1779-1787 Schooltime

In May 1779 (9), the two eldest brothers, Richard and William, are sent to Hawkshead Grammar School, an institution with some ninety pupils which has strong links with the University of Cambridge and a reputation for excellence. The boys lodge with Ann Tyson, with whom William develops a strong bond of affection. From 1779 (9) to 1783 (13), they generally return home to Cockermouth to be with their father during the summer and over Christmas, else stay with their maternal grandparents (the Cooksons) in Penrith.

On the death of his father in 1783 (13), William's two uncles, Richard Wordsworth of Whitehaven and Christopher Crackanthorp Cookson of Penrith, obtain Letters of Administration to settle debts and administer the estate of John Wordsworth for the benefit of the children, thus becoming their guardians until their majority. By far the largest debt of £4625 (around £250,000 in today's terms) is owed by Sir James Lowther (locally known as 'Wicked Jimmy'), who does everything in his power to avoid paying. It will be nearly twenty years before the debt is finally discharged, in the meantime, leaving the children in a precarious financial situation, and dependent on the goodwill of friends and relations, most notably their maternal grandparents at Penrith with whom relations are already strained. Dorothy later writes to her friend Jane Pollard: each day we do receive fresh insults (Letter, Penrith, summer 1787), insults centering around their being impoverished and dependent on the 'charity' of their grandfather.

From 1783 (13) until his departure for St John's College, Cambridge in October 1787 (17), William spends his holidays either in Penrith or in Whitehaven, and occasionally with Richard Wordsworth's son, also Richard, in Branthwaite.

Fortunately, he profits from a great deal of freedom to wander far and wide during term-time as a boarder with Ann Tyson at Colthouse nr Hawkshead, and receives an excellent education at Hawkshead Grammar School, winning a sizarship to St John's College, Cambridge in 1787.

He begins composing poetry while still at school, encouraged by headmaster William Taylor.