William Barnes: 'My Orcha'd in Linden Lea' and other Poems

William Barnes: “My Orcha’d in Linden Lea” and Other Poems
Edited and Introduced by Alan Chedzoy
Published by the William Barnes Society

This carefully curated paperback edition brings together a rich selection of poems by the celebrated Dorset poet William Barnes, best known for his lyrical evocations of rural life and his deep affection for the English countryside. At the heart of the collection is the much-loved poem “My Orcha’d in Linden Lea”, a tender meditation on home, memory, and belonging that has become one of Barnes’s most enduring works.

Edited and introduced by Alan Chedzoy, this volume offers both longtime admirers and new readers an accessible gateway into Barnes’s poetry. Chedzoy’s introduction provides valuable context about Barnes’s life, his commitment to preserving the Dorset dialect, and his distinctive place in nineteenth-century English literature. Through thoughtful selection and insightful commentary, the editor highlights the musicality, warmth, and quiet philosophical depth that characterize Barnes’s verse.

Barnes’s poetry is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of rural traditions, seasonal rhythms, and the intimate bond between people and landscape. Writing often in Dorset dialect, he captures the speech, customs, and values of a vanishing agrarian world with authenticity and affection. Yet beyond its regional focus, his work speaks universally—of love, community, faith, nostalgia, and the passing of time.

Published by the William Barnes Society, this edition reflects a continued commitment to preserving and promoting Barnes’s literary legacy. The collection stands as both a tribute to a distinctive poetic voice and an invitation to rediscover the beauty and emotional resonance of England’s rural past.

Ideal for readers of Victorian poetry, regional literature, and those interested in the cultural heritage of Dorset, this volume offers a timeless celebration of place, memory, and the enduring power of language.

Where to get this publication

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• Teasel & Skylark Book Shop, 2 Georgian House, Trinity Street, Dorchester,Dorset DT1 1UB