I recently discovered an interesting passage about a very wealthy Victorian lady in an old Lake District guide book. Based upon that information, the following conundrum poem may be of interest to Lancashire Life Readers
The Flood, 1892
Far below Raven Crag
Where braided streams tumble
Between moss-cushioned stones
And ancient fell walls buckle and sag
Birds still sing
In Countess Ossalinsky’s garden.
No human sound
Pervades phantom lawns and secret paths,
Where hats and parasols paraded
Whilst croquet mallets clipped the ground
Forsaken and abandoned now
In Countess Ossalinsky’s garden.
Forever lost her jewel box,
That hidden summertime retreat
Cluttered with treasures from half the wold
Behind oaken doors with polished locks
The mansion has long vanished
From Countess Ossalinsky’s garden.
Yet, watching over waters deep,
Jostled now by larch and spruce,
Some few survivors hold their ground.
Tall Chile Pines their vigil keep,
Witnesses to all that passed
In Countess Ossalinsky’s garden.
Where did her garden grow? It was at Thirlmere in the Lake District. In 1892 it was mostly inundated when the valley was flooded for public drinking water.
James Grundy
