Cowper moved to Norfolk in 1795 with his long-term companion Mary Unwin. They originally stayed at North Tuddenham, then moved to Dunham Lodge near Swaffham - spending a lot of time in Mundesley and finally to East Dereham. Both were invalids - Mary Unwin due to strokes and Cowper due to debilitating attacks of depression.

      Cowper's final desolate work The Castaway was written in Norfolk in 1799.

      Cowper's mother died when he was only six years old and this event had a profound affect upon his already sensitive nature. Later in life, Cowper was inspired to write one of his finest poems when he received a picture of his mother from his cousin Ann Bodham.

Stained Glass Window.

William Cowper

      The magnificent stained glass window above the tomb depicts Cowper reading to his pet hares. These were given to him by the villagers of Olney (where he had previously lived) and were called Puss, Tiney and Bess. In many ways Cowper's work was a precursor ofromancisim. He particularly influenced Wordsworth who admired his poem Yardley-Oak.