Katherine Gell

Katherine Gell or Catherine Gell born Katherine Packer (1624–1671) was a religious patron living in Hopton Hall in Hopton, Derbyshire

Life She was baptised in 1624 at Westminster Abbey. She was one of the eight children of Philippa (born Mills) and John Packer (1572–1649), administrator and politician. Her family were religious and her father could recite books from memory including the New Testament. He used to fund clergy to visit distant places in Britain to evangelise and read the scripture. She was well educated by her father who was a parliamentarian during the civil war.

Their children included: Katherine Gell (1645- ), who married William Eyre of Holme Hall and Highlow Hall, Derbyshire. Sir Philip Gell, 3rd Baronet (1651–1719), who married Elizabeth Fagg in 1678.

In July 1655 she contacted the non-conformist Richard Baxter for spiritual advice after reading his book The Saints’ Everlasting Rest.

Her husband was succeeded in the baronetcy by their son Philip.

Death and legacy She died in 1671. On the 400th anninversary of Richard Baxter's birth an exhibition of their letters was made. The letters are also the basis of a book of Baxter's letters which was in preparation.