Pete my Springer Spaniel. Named after a famous rabbit. Beatrix Potter had a springer spaniel named Spot. My first two Spingers were named Spot.
This is where Beatrix wrote the picture letter on September 4, 1893 to Noel Moore that was to become "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" first published by Frederick Warne in 1902. It started with: "My dear Noel, I don't know what to write to you so I shall tell you the story of 4 little rabbits whose names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter..."
Beatrix purchased this, her first farm, in 1905. Hill Top located in the village of Near Sawrey, Cumbria is open to the public from spring to the fall. It is currently owned by the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk - search under Hill Top).
Beatrix managed great herds of these sheep; the wool is very heavy and is primarily used for carpeting. In 1943, Beatrix was President Elect of the Herdwick Sheepbreeders Association - a post she did not live long enough to presume because of her death in December 1943.
I got to live my life dream volunteering at Hill Top this summer as a room steward. It was fascinating talking to people from all over the world about Beatrix Potter, her books, her farms and her love of the Lake District.