Three fascinating previously unseen letters penned by the celebrated children's author Beatrix Potter have come to light.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit writer, who was also a livestock farmer, discusses cakes, gardening and her forthright views on women's pay in the war.
Expressing views unlikely to endear herself with today's feminists, she states the amount forestry girls were getting paid was 'absurd' and 'upsetting' to the men of the community.
The correspondence and unpublished snaps of Potter in her garden are being sold by a descendant with 1818 Auctioneers, of Milnthorpe, Cumbria.
The first letter, dated 1935, was sent by Potter to her friend Maggie Watson, who owned the tearooms in a neighbouring village. In it, she compliments her on her cake, describing it in rich language befitting of a Great British Bake Off judge
They are tipped to sell for £5,000.
The first letter, dated 1935, was sent by Potter to her friend Maggie Watson, who owned the tearooms in a neighbouring village.
In it, she compliments her on her cake, describing it in rich language befitting of a Great British Bake Off judge.
The correspondence and unpublished snaps of Potter in her garden are being sold by a descendant
She writes: 'You have surpassed yourself! We never expected to see such a Hawkshead cake again. The crisp delicacy of the pastry and succulence of the syrup.
'You did not leave your skill behind when you moved to another house.'
Another letter, penned by Potter in 1940, thanks Maggie's sister Sissy Watson, who taught at the village school, for the gift of five primula roots.
The green-fingered author, who owned Hill Top Farm near Sawrey, says she will plant them in a raised bed over rubble.
The final letter in the sale, dated July 4, 1942, is also addressed to Sissy.
In it, she tells of having recruited a land girl to help her on her farm, which was turned over to the Government for its Dig For Victory campaign.
She observes that 'a much
