Beatrix Potter: The Rest of the Story

Beatrix and her pet rabbit, Peter.

This week we’re going to complete the story of Beatrix Potter’s amazing life. When we left her, she was happily publishing books with great success, and she had found a true friend in her publisher, Mr. Norman Warne.
Norman proposed to Beatrix by letter on July 25, 1905, while they were correcting proofs for The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. (He was 37 and she was 39.) Beatrix replied and accepted his proposal the same day. Mr. and Mrs. Potter were not able to share in their daughter’s happiness, and they demanded that the engagement be kept secret for the time being. Norman, as a tradesman, was their social inferior, after all. They were not about to allow their daughter, who, incidentally, was becoming quite helpful as a housekeeper and nurse, to attach herself to such a person. Though Beatrix was infuriated, she did agree to keep the secret. She was unable to see Norman in person, however, before she was to leave London for a family trip. He had just returned from a trip to Manchester, and was severely ill and confined to his bed. They were able to exchange engagement rings, though, and Beatrix set off for Wales. On August 25, exactly one month after he had proposed, Norman died of lymphatic leukemia.

Norman Warne

Beatrix was devastated. She had lost her dearest friend. But instead of allowing grief to rule her life, Beatrix turned to activity. In their letters, she and Norman had discussed buying a home in the Lake District where they could spend their summers, and now, though alone, Beatrix was going to fulfill their dreams. Using her income from her books, she bought a property called Hill Top Farm, a 34 acre working farm in the Lake District. She found a family to manage the farm and be her tenants, but Beatrix herself did much of the work. Beatrix was determined to maintain the traditional buildings and farming methods of the region, and at the same time help preserve the culture and scenery of the Lake District. She raised livestock, directed physical improvements to the house and farm buildings, and relished in the joys of county life.

Beatrix at Hill Top Farm

Though she was now busier than she had ever been, Beatrix also spent time writing, creating thirteen stories over the next eight years. Many of the settings were inspired by the surrounding countryside and the nearby village. In addition she continued to create more “merchandise” to go along with her stories. From the very beginning of her publishing career, Beatrix recognized the possibilities for creating and selling merchandise—stuffed animals, coloring books, board games, baby blankets, tea sets, and more—all based on her stories. This was not an entirely new phenomenon, but Beatrix took it to new levels with the amount and variety of merchandise she created, and also with her careful licensing to ensure that no one else could create their own Squirrel Nutkin dolls or Mr. McGregor board games.

The original Peter Rabbit's Race Game!

As the properties adjoining Hilltop Farm came up for sale, Beatrix realized that she would have to act in order to protect her safe haven. Commercial tourism in the area was increasing, and Beatrix recognized it as a threat to her efforts to protect the traditional ways of the region. She consulted a local solicitor’s office to ask advice. There she met William Heelis. He was five years younger than she was, and had an easy-going personality. He became Beatrix’s legal adviser and assisted her in purchasing farms in the area. Both Beatrix and Mr. Heelis were passionate about preserving the traditional farming methods and the landscape. Beatrix trusted his legal advice, and whenever she was away in London, William acted as her property manager. They worked well together and enjoyed each other’s company, and once again in Beatrix’s life, a business partnership developed into a solid friendship, which then developed into true affection.

Beatrix and William Heelis

In 1913, when she was 47 years old, Beatrix married William Heelis. They happily spent their married lives following their passion of preserving the landscape and the lifestyle of England’s Lake District. Together they acquired new properties, which they then restored and managed. Beatrix greatly enjoyed becoming part of the large Heelis family, and especially doted on her nieces. Beatrix continued to write stories, and she also devoted much time to her main livestock project—Herdwick sheep. These sheep are native to the fells, and at the time they were quickly becoming and endangered species. Beatrix studied up on the subject and began breeding these sheep, eventually owning a flock of over 1,000. Her sheep won many prizes at local shows, and in 1943, Beatrix became the first female president of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Association. Today, the descendants of Beatrix’s sheep still forage for food in the fells of the Lake District.

One of Beatrix's illustrations of Herdwick sheep

Beatrix and William were able to enjoy thirty years of happily married life. There were challenges, to be sure, including two world wars and the constant disapproval of Beatrix’s parents, whom she spent much of her time and energy caring for up until their deaths. William and Beatrix never tired of expanding and improving their land holdings, and when Beatrix died in December of 1943, and when William died eighteen months later, their 4,000 acres of land, including all the buildings and animals, was handed over to the National Trust to ensure that their sixteen farms would continue to be managed and run traditionally.

The adorable Mr. Picklepin

So, I realize that at this point I’ve written a whole lot about Beatrix Potter. (If you’ve made it this far, thank you!) But I wanted to convey just how creative, resourceful, and active she was. Personally, I’ve been inspired by her refusal to allow disappointment and loss to rule her life. Instead of wallowing in sorrow and self-pity, she “put out her hand to strong things” and filled her life with beauty and useful activity. Instead of being contented to lead a life of ease and indulgence, she looked for ways to challenge her mind and body. Basically, I want to be like her when I grow up.