This is a revised and expanded version of an essay that, under the title 'The Last Surviving King of Elmet, or Wilderness Regained', introduced two exhibitions of Norman Ackroyd's work: 'Just Be A Poet' (The Fine Art Society, London, 2016) and 'The Western Shore - From Shetland to Co. Cork' (The Verey Gallery, Eton College, 27 April - 10 September 2017).