Beatrix Potters Hyde Connection

Here is another interesting email from David Barlow...

                                                 Thomas Ashton of Hyde (1775-1845)

 

One of the original founders of the cotton industry in Hyde, Thomas Ashton also held the Office of Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Lancashire and also Cheshire.

He was also the Great-Grandfather of Beatrix Potter with the family link described below...

 

Thomas Ashton married Harriet Booth in 1804 and they had a daughter Jane Ashton born 1806

Jane Ashton married John Leech and they had a daughter Helen Leech born 1839

Helen Leech married Rupert Potter in 1863 and they had a daughter Helen Beatrix Potter born 1866 

 

Of course looking at the dates Thomas Ashton never did get to see his great-grand daughter as he died about 20 years prior to her birth. 

 

Incidentally one of Thomas Ashtons sons, Thomas junior became Hydes first Mayor when it was incorporated as a Borough. Thomas junior died in 1898 ( in his late seventies I think)

 

David Barlow

 

 

 Thomas Ashton b.1775 d.1845

 

 Beatrix Potter with parents Rupert Potter and Helen Potter (nee. Leech).

 

 

Many Thanks, David ! :)

Hyde Chapel Postcard

The history of Hyde Chapel goes back to before 1708, when the congregation built the first Christian place of worship in Hyde. A new church replaced the former building in 1846. This second chapel is still in use today, its high steeple, a noted landmark, is also a Grade II, listed building.

Beatrix Potter's mother and aunt were both married at Hyde Chapel. The Rev. Charles Beard married her mother, Helen Leech, and Rupert Potter in August 1863, while her aunt, Elizabeth Leech, married Walter Potter in May 1862. The Potter family grave is in the churchyard.


Thanks to http://www.unitarian.org.uk/ecu/HydeChapel/