A Liberal Mystery - Peter Bessell, Isaac Foot, and the Black Cat of Pencrebar

 In March 1961 the Cornish Guardian reported that Peter Bessell, the prospective Liberal candidate for the Bodmin division, had been presented with Isaac Foot's lucky black cat mascot.

Isaac Foot

Foot, who had died in 1960, was given the cat by an enthusiastic supporter in 1923, at the outset of his successful re-election campaign. From then on it accompanied him to all political meetings in the constituency, as well as the annual Liberal rallies at Foot's house, Pencrebar.

Pencrebar House, Callington

When not campaigning the cat sat opposite a bust of Oliver Cromwell in the entrance hall at Pencrebar.

Peter Bessell

Bessell was presented with the cat by Ewart Tamblyn, the divisional chairman, acting on behalf of Mrs Foot. Bessell said the cat would be his most treasured possession, and that "I can assure the Foot family that it will go on being the mascot of Liberalism".

So what became of the cat? Did it help Bessell in his successful 1964 and 1968 campaigns? Was it passed on to Paul Tyler in 1970? Have you seen an old black cat wearing Liberal colours?

I would love to know!