William Sidney Gibson
This new interest in the local Jacobites
was given a boost by the publication of William Sidney Gibson's book,
'Dilston Hall', in 1850. This book was the first biography of the Earl
of Derwentwater and the first attempt to write an outline history of
the '15 in Northumberland. He wrote in a flowery, romantic style which
secured the image of Derwentwater as a tragic, almost saintly, hero.
'Dilston', he wrote, 'is surrounded by the poetry of historical tradition;
and the character of the scenery which encircles the ruined hall of
Radcliffe's fallen line seems to invest with a romantic charm, the shadows
of the past that crowd upon the thoughtful visitor at every step in
his approach'. This book brought many visitors to the ruins at Dilston,
including the 'Countess Amelia', one of the most extraordinary characters
in the whole history of the Jacobites.
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