Family connections
Beatrix Potter was the cousin of Ethel, Lady Hyde Parker, grandmother of Sir Richard Hyde Parker, the present Baronet of Melford Hall. She visited here on many occasions and painted a series of watercolours of the house. The visitors' book contains numerous signatures and sketches, which mark her visits to the house.
The collections at Melford Hall include several of her soft toys, which served as models for her illustrations.
Beatrix Potter's bedroom
Beatrix Potter slept in the West Bedroom when she stayed at Melford Hall. The room is furnished as it would have been when she frequently visited, with a Victorian bed and furniture.
To the amusement of the Hyde Parker children she would bring her small animals on her visits to the Hall and house them in the adjoining turret room (which can be seen through the open door).
