
Back to Blogs
Discover
Beatrix Potter's love of Melford Hall
Whilst Beatrix Potter's beautiful illustrations and stories are most often associated with the Lake District, a rare few were inspired by her time spent here in Suffolk!
Beatrix Potter's stays at Melford Hall

The cousin of Ethel, Lady Hyde Parker, grandmother of Sir Richard Hyde Parker, the present Baronet of Melford Hall, Beatrix visited her relatives often, staying at the hall many times, and it was here that she created numerous watercolour paintings of the house.
During her stays, she would reside in the West Bedroom, furnished with mid-Victorian furniture, the room also features a turret, which Miss Potter used to keep small animals that she had brought with her on her travels, and to this day, the room remains furnished as it would have been.
Melford Hall's rare drawings

In 2016 during house renovations at the Hall, House Manager Josephine Waters found three drawings hidden inside books; featuring chairs, fireplaces and other furniture from the Hall alongside animal characters such as Squirrel Nutkin and the Tailor of Gloucester.
A fourth drawing was also found by Lady Hyde Parker, who lives at Melford Hall with her husband, Sir Richard, where Potter took regular holidays between 1899 and 1916.
The spinning wheel currently in the Blue Drawing Room was the inspiration for a drawing by Beatrix and look out for her friend, the marmalade cat, a Christmas gift to Sir Richard’s sister Elizabeth when the family spent Christmas in the Lake District.
Related Posts
Related Blogs

News
New cycle hire offer at…
A new cycle hire offer at Ickworth allows visitors to…

News
Father's Day Gift Guide
This Father's Day, treat your Dad to a unique gift or…

News
Fun-Filled Family Days Out
If you're looking for a day out that the whole family…
News
Fun Places to Stay for…
Treat your family to an unforgettable holiday in Bury…

News
Rainy Day Things to Do!
Don't worry if the weather is less than desirable,…
Latest news

News
Lavenham Literary Festival Is Back
To celebrate 1000 years since the founding of King Edmund’s monastery in Bury St Edmunds, Simon Edge author of the hilarious Anyone for Edmund? will be one of the guest authors!

News
New cycle hire offer at Ickworth
A new cycle hire offer at Ickworth allows visitors to easily explore the 1,800 acre estate on two wheels.

News
Abraham Lincoln Helps Bury St Edmunds Celebrate Independents Week!
Shoppers in Bury St Edmunds may have to look twice if they see ‘Abraham Lincoln’ in the town centre on July 4.

News
Father's Day Gift Guide
This Father's Day, treat your Dad to a unique gift or delicious takeaway or a taste from Bury St Edmunds & Beyond...

News
Discover The Abbey Gardens Bury St Edmunds
This stunning park in the heart of Bury St Edmunds is steeped in history and stories and is the perfect place to watch the world go by ...

News
Flower Exhibition reflects 1000 years of Abbey
St Edmundsbury Cathedral will be home to an exhibition this summer, celebrating 1000 years of the Abbey at Bury St Edmunds in flowers.
News
Enjoy the Free Abbey 1000 Heritage Trail!
Some of the most famous historical names associated with Bury St Edmunds form the basis of a new trail helping participants discover the town’s heritage this summer.

News
Dog-Friendly Cafes, Pubs and Restaurants In and Around Bury St Edmunds
With dog-friendly cafes and restaurants you can enjoy Suffolk's foodie town and still bring your four-legged friend!

News
Dog Friendly Attractions in Bury St Edmunds and Beyond
With beautiful parks and countryside to explore, there are a wealth of places to take well behaved dogs in Bury St Edmunds and Beyond!