William Watson bronze plaque

This bronze commemorative plaque records: Sir William Watson. Born August 2nd 1858. Died August 13th 1935. Poet and humanitarian was born at Peel Place, Burley-in-Wharfedale. Here he spent his youth and gained inspiration from his native dale. "To thee what wealth was that the immortals gave the wealth thou gavest in thy turn to men." (From his poem On Wordsworth's Grave.)

William Watson, born in 1858, was a prominent English poet and humanitarian whose work often drew inspiration from his Yorkshire homeland; he is remembered for his lyrical poetry and contributions to literary criticism.