Henry Irwin Jenkinson:
In the annals of Keswick’s rich history, one name stands out as a trailblazer and advocate for the people’s right to access and appreciate the natural wonders that surrounded them—Henry Irwin Jenkinson.
This unsung hero of the English Lake District is perhaps best remembered for his pivotal role in leading the mass trespass on Latrigg in 1887, an event that would come to symbolise the fight for public access to the breathtaking landscapes of the region.
Born in Keswick in the mid-19th century, Jenkinson was not only a resident of this scenic town but a fervent lover of the outdoors and a champion of the people’s right to experience the beauty of the Lake District firsthand.
The 1880s marked a period of growing tension between the local community and landowners, as access to the hills and mountains was restricted, limiting the ability of ordinary people to enjoy the natural splendor of their surroundings.
Driven by a passion for justice and a deep connection to the land, Jenkinson emerged as a charismatic leader and spokesperson for those who believed that access to nature should be a universal right.
In 1887, he organized and led a mass trespass on Latrigg, a prominent hill near Keswick, as a symbolic act of defiance against the restrictions imposed by landowners.
The Latrigg mass trespass was a peaceful demonstration, a collective statement that resonated with the growing movement advocating for the freedom to roam in the countryside. Jenkinson and his followers sought to challenge the notion that the hills and moors should be the exclusive domain of the privileged few, asserting instead that these natural wonders belonged to the people.
Jenkinson’s actions were not without risk; trespassing on private land was a bold and daring move during a time when such actions were met with resistance from landowners. However, his conviction and the widespread support he garnered helped to shift public opinion and laid the groundwork for the access rights we often take for granted today.
While the Latrigg mass trespass of 1887 may not have led to immediate changes in legislation, it served as a catalyst for the broader movement advocating for the “Right to Roam.” Over the years, public pressure increased, eventually leading to legal changes that granted the public greater access to the countryside.
Today, as visitors and locals alike enjoy the sweeping views from Latrigg, they owe a debt of gratitude to Henry Irwin Jenkinson, the visionary who stood up for the right to experience the beauty of the Lake District freely.
His legacy lives on not only in the access rights we enjoy but in the spirit of those who continue to fight for the preservation of our natural heritage, ensuring that the landscapes he loved so dearly remain accessible to all.
