The Secret Life of Beatrix Potter

Evan Swensen
February 26, 2025

When most people think of Beatrix Potter, they picture charming illustrations of mischievous rabbits in blue jackets or hedgehogs in lace-trimmed bonnets. Her Tale of Peter Rabbit has enchanted generations, but many don’t know that Potter had a second, equally fascinating career: she was a dedicated sheep farmer and conservationist.

And she didn’t do it alone. Enter Tom Storey, the unsung hero of Potter’s farming success. Without his expertise and partnership, Potter might never have become one of England’s most respected breeders of Herdwick sheep.

The Tale of Two Farmers

This little-known side of Potter’s life came to our attention thanks to our reader and personal friend, Linda Hamm, who was inspired to dig deeper after reading How Peter Rabbit Outsmarted Publishers in last week’s trivia campaign. She found a treasure trove of fascinating details—ones too good not to share. Thanks, Linda.

Potter’s love for nature wasn’t just a passing fancy. From childhood, she had been an avid observer of animals, sketching everything from rabbits to reptiles with scientific precision. But in 1905, after her literary success allowed her to buy Hill Top Farm in England’s picturesque Lake District, she faced a new challenge: running a farm.

She may have had a naturalist’s eye, but she had no real experience managing livestock. That’s where Tom Storey, a seasoned farmer and shepherd, came in. He became her farm manager, guiding her through the complexities of breeding and raising Herdwick sheep.

The Woolly Side of Beatrix Potter

Herdwicks are no ordinary sheep. Known for their resilience, these woolly creatures thrive in the harsh, rainy conditions of the Lake District. But in the early 20th century, the breed was in decline. Potter and Storey worked together to improve its quality, carefully selecting the best rams and ewes to strengthen the lineage.

Potter didn’t just fund the farm—she became fully immersed in it. She was known to walk the fields, inspect her sheep, and even enter agricultural competitions. Over time, she gained recognition among local farmers, an unusual achievement for a woman in a male-dominated industry.

While she maintained a genteel public image, those who knew her farming side saw a tough, no-nonsense businesswoman. She once refused to sell a prize Herdwick ram to King George V himself, not because she wasn’t honored by the request, but because she believed the quality of the breed had to be preserved with careful, selective breeding.

A Conservationist Before It Was Cool

Potter’s passion for farming extended beyond her own land. She saw firsthand how modern development threatened traditional ways of life in the Lake District. Determined to protect the landscape and its heritage, she purchased more than 4,000 acres of farmland and, upon her passing in 1943, left it to the National Trust. Thanks to her efforts, Herdwick sheep continue to graze on the hills she once walked.

Tom Storey remained a vital part of this mission, overseeing the farms she acquired and ensuring the land remained productive. Their partnership was one of mutual respect—Potter valued his practical knowledge, and he appreciated her dedication to farming done right.

The Moral of the Story

Beatrix Potter’s legacy is more than The Tale of Peter Rabbit and its whimsical companions. She was a trailblazing woman in conservation and farming, a champion of Herdwick sheep, and a preserver of England’s rural traditions. Without her and Tom Storey’s efforts, the Lake District—and its woolly residents—might look very different today.

So, next time you see a copy of The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, remember: its author wasn’t just a storyteller—she was also a shepherd at heart.

If literary trivia and unexpected author adventures make you smile, stick around—there’s plenty more where this came from! From Beatrix Potter’s prize-winning sheep to the real-life places that inspired The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the world of books is full of surprising stories. Who knew that a beloved children’s author would turn out to be one of England’s most respected sheep farmers? The best part? There’s always more to uncover.

Want more bookish gems and local lore? Join Readers and Writers Book Club, where we dig into the fascinating lives of authors, swap trivia about literary legends, and explore hidden stories behind the books we love. If Potter’s unexpected sheep-raising career intrigued you, wait until you hear what else is hiding in the pages of history. Come on in— I promise, there’s always room for another curious mind!