Helen Beatrix Potter (28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943) was an English author and illustrator best known for her children’s books including The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The first Peter Rabbit story was originally created in 1893 as a letter to Noel Moore, the five-year-old son of Potter’s former governess, Annie Moore. The boy was ill and Potter wrote him a picture and story letter to help him pass the time and to cheer him up. The letter included sketches illustrating the narrative.

As part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth a copy of this letter is on display at national trust property Allan Bank in Grasmere in the Lake District. Allan Bank is an unusual National Trust property which welcomes you to make yourself at home, including by encouraging you to take a seat in the study and have a go at writing and colouring in your own story letter to someone special. The current focus at Allan Bank is about exploring the inspiration Beatrix Potter took from her friendship with Canon Rawnsley.