Holker Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, England

Documentary evidence suggests that the site of Holker Hall has been occupied since the 16th century. The present hall dates from the 17th century.

During the late-18th century the parkland was created. In the 19th century further additions were made including an arboretum, conservatory, terraces and a walled garden.

In the early-20th century Thomas Mawson was commissioned to create formal gardens. Lord and Lady Cavendish, the present owners, have also created further formal gardens and a cascade in the 1980s. They have also created a new shelter belt of trees in one part of the garden.

In the 1990s Lord Cavendish registered with the National Collection for Conservation of Plants and Gardens and was awarded a National Collection of Styracaceae. 

The following is from the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. 

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT

Holker, which was part of the holdings of Cartmel Priory, was bought by the Preston family, substantial local landowners, during thee 16th century following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. George Preston settled on the site of the present Hall in 1610. The estate was confiscated from Thomas Preston by Parliament in 1644, but was later restored to him. Following his death in 1697, his heir Catherine married William Lowther who was subsequently given a baronetcy by King William II. The estate remained in the Lowther family until it passed through marriage to Lord George Augustus Cavendish in 1756. Lord George was created Earl of Burlington by William IV in 1831. At his death in 1831 he was succeeded by his grandson William, second Earl, who became seventh Duke of Devonshire in 1858. Holker remains in the ownership of the Cavendish family and is in use (1997) as a private residence.