They collected skeletal remains and some of Gough's belongings, which included fishing tackle, a gold watch, silver pencil and two Claude glasses.

Gough had been contracted by a local artist to copy drawings, but was renowned for being adventurous to the point of taking dangerous risks.

Thomas Clarkson, who had met him reported afterwards that Gough was a "venturesome person" whose headstrong nature had caused the local shepherds alarm".

Such interpretations stressed man's bond with nature, as represented by the faithful dog contrasted with the wildness and savagery of the landscape that caused his death.

[6] Wordsworth lived in the lakes, and had brought both Scott and the chemist Humphry Davy to see the spot where Gough's body was found.