Dorothy Wordsworth, a key figure in the life of the renowned Romantic poet William Wordsworth, was his only sister. Her early years were marked by separation and familial challenges, yet she grew to become an integral part of William's life and work. Despite personal struggles and eventual illness, Dorothy's contributions to the literary world through her detailed journals remain significant.

Early Life and Education

At the tender age of six, Dorothy's world was upended by the death of her mother, leading to her separation from her brothers. She moved to Halifax to live with Elizabeth Threlkeld, a cousin of her mother's, where she attended a day school. Her education was briefly interrupted by a six-month stint at a boarding school. However, by 1787, she relocated to her maternal grandparents' home, marking the end of her formal education. This period was a challenging one, as her grandparents were not welcoming to her brothers, adding a layer of difficulty to her young life.

A New Chapter with Family

The year after her move to her grandparents, a change came when her uncle, Reverend William Cookson, got married and invited Dorothy to join his household. She stayed with him until 1794, forming a familial bond that provided more stability than her previous living arrangements. In 1795, a fortunate legacy and the loan of a house allowed Dorothy to reunite with her brother William. This reunion was a turning point, as she would remain closely bonded with William, sharing his household until his passing in 1850, even as he married and started his own family.

Literary Contributions and Life with William

Dorothy's move to Alfoxden in 1798 to be near Samuel Taylor Coleridge marked the start of her journal writing. These journals became a rich source of inspiration for her brother and Coleridge, contributing vivid descriptions to their works in Lyrical Ballads. Her observations, particularly of people and nature, enriched William's poetic imagery for years. Although her journals were private endeavors, cherished by her and her brother, they were shared among friends, though not published in her lifetime. Throughout this time, Dorothy served as a second mother to William's children and remained his steadfast companion, punctuated only by brief travels and visits to friends.

Later Years and Illness

In April 1829, Dorothy's vibrant life was interrupted by a severe illness. Her recovery defied expectations, but she was left with diminished energy, unable to partake in the activities she once loved, such as walking, traveling, and writing. Her mental health began to deteriorate, leading her to regress to a child-like state of excitement and dependency. She lived out her remaining years at Rydal Mount, a place she shared with William for over fifty years, passing away five years after her brother.

Legacy

While Dorothy Wordsworth's life was closely intertwined with that of her brother, her own voice and experiences are immortalized in her journals. These writings offer a window into the life of a woman whose quiet influence played a crucial role in the Romantic literary movement. Her legacy endures, offering insights into the personal and creative lives of some of the most celebrated poets of her time.