Gray's Journal Entry: ‘The scene here represented includes part of the village of Rydal, and is one of the features in the neighbourhood of Ambleside, which may contribute to justify the description we gave of its environs. Were a person of leisure to attend to the various picturesque situations he would meet with, he [would acknowledge that] the subjects we have selected are not single instances, but are to be considered only as specimens of the style of the country. The bridge, which is thrown over the river Rothay, is happily situated in this view; and, with the group of little cottages near it, forms a beautiful contrast to Rydal Fell, which rising in alpine grandeur, overshadows the vale.’