William Heelis (1872–1945) was a lawyer in Hawkshead, Cumbria, England.

He was the devoted husband of the famous children’s author Beatrix Potter, whom he met while managing her property deals in the Lake District at Hawkshead.

They became engaged in 1912 and married on 14 October 1913 in London at St. Mary Abbots in Kensington.

Beatrix and Heelis enjoyed a happy marriage for thirty years and continued their agricultural and conservation efforts even during the difficult days of World War II.

After Beatrix’s death, Heelis spent the short remainder of his life in a nursing home in York, where he died.

William Heelis early life

There is limited information about William Heelis’ early life.

What we do know, however, is that he was born on 18 February 1872 in Dufton, Westmoreland (now Cumbria), the son of Reverend John Heelis and Esther Heelis.

He was a lawyer in Hawkshead, Cumbria, and handled Beatrix’s property dealings in the Lake District.

William Heelis Cause of death

Heelis died on 22 December 1945 at Castle Cottage, near Sawrey, Cumbria, England, from complications of pneumonia and heart disease.

Career of William Heelis

Heelis was a lawyer.

For years, Heelis managed Beatrix’s business, and eventually the two fell in love.

With the income from her books, Beatrix was able to buy a farm and land in the English Lake District and create a private retreat for herself.

The two remained steadfast and enabled Beatrix to finally break free from her parents’ control in her late forties, but without ever experiencing a dramatic break.

After a long and happy marriage, Heelis left their home at Castle Cottage after the shock of his wife’s death.

Who was Beatrix Potter?

Beatrix was an English author, illustrator and conservationist, best known for her popular children’s books featuring animal characters.

She was born on July 28, 1866 in London, England and died on December 22, 1943 in Sawrey, Lancashire.

Beatrix’s interest in nature and animals began in her childhood when she spent a lot of time exploring the countryside and sketching the plants and animals she encountered.

Her family’s wealth enabled her to receive a private education and pursue her artistic and scientific interests.

Beatrix’s first book, “The Story of Peter Rabbit”, was initially self-published in 1901 after it had been rejected by several publishers.

The book’s success led to a publishing deal, and Potter went on to write and illustrate a series of charming and beautifully illustrated children’s books, including The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.

In addition to her work as an author and illustrator, Beatrix was a passionate environmentalist.

With the proceeds from the sale of her books, she bought land in the Lake District, which she then donated to the National Trust.

Their efforts helped preserve the natural beauty of the area that had inspired many of their stories.

Beatrix’s contributions to children’s literature and nature conservation had a lasting impact.

Her books continue to be popular with readers of all ages and her work for conservation in the Lake District has left a lasting legacy.