E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Der’wentwa’ter.
Lord Derwentwater’s lights. The Auro’ra borea’lis; so called from James, Earl of Derwentwater, beheaded for rebellion February
24th, 1716. It is said that the northern lights were unusually brilliant on that night.
