13 January 2013

Beatrix Potter's Relatives in Gee Cross and Stalybridge, Greater Manchester

In the churchyard of Hyde Chapel, Gee Cross, Greater Manchester, is the family grave of the Potter family – Beatrix Potter's parents and paternal grandparents.

'In loving memory of
EDMUND POTTER
DIED 26TH OCTOBER 1883
AGED 81 YEARS.'

Also of JESSY POTTER [née Crompton]
WIDOW OF EDMUND POTTER
DIED 9TH SEPTEMBER 1891
AGED 90 YEARS.

[...]

also of RUPERT POTTER
2ND SON OF THE ABOVE EDMUND POTTER
DIED 8TH MAY 1914 AGED 81 YEARS.
ALSO OF HELEN POTTER [née Leech], WIFE OF THE ABOVE
RUPERT POTTER
DIED DECEMBER 20TH 1932 AGED 93 YEARS.'

And in Stalybridge:

'BEATRIX POTTER
(1866–1943)

Renowned children's story writer author
and artist of the famous Peter Rabbit book.

Beatrix's maternal grandparents John and Jane [née Ashton] Leech
bought the Gorse Hall Estate after their marriage and
built the Gorse Hall Mansion which was demolished in 1910.

Born in London, Beatrix in later life made several visits
to her grand parents and recorded her fond memories
of the place.

Unveiled by John Heelis OBE, great nephew
of Beatrix Potter's husband, William Heelis
on 23rd November 1999.'

Beatrix  Potter's mother Helen Leech was born at Gorse Hall. In 1909 George Harry Storrs of Gorse Hall was stabbed to death there by an attacker who remains unknown. His wife Maggie had the building demolished the following year and the hilly grounds now serve as an area for walks.

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