Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands
Cumbria
England
Historic County: LancashireCirca Date: 17th century core w/18th, 19th & 20th century additions and alterations
Pronunciation: HAWKER
Status: Fully Extant
House Open to Public: Yes
Country House: Yes
The house from "Morris's County Seats," circa 1875.
Earlier Houses: There was at least one earlier house on, or near, the site of the current house.
House & Family History: The estate of Holker originally belonged to the Cartmel Priory and Furness Abbey. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries the land was granted to the Preston family of Lancashire. The estate passed through by marriage until it was left to Lord George Augustus Cavendish, younger brother of the 4th Duke of Devonshire. Holker Hall was built in the early 17th century, but was almost completely rebuilt by the 7th Duke of Devonshire in the mid-19th century. One wing dates from the early years of Queen Victoria's reign; another wing was built in 1871 after a fire. The interiors contain fine 17th century paneling from a nearby farmhouse and notable 18th century staircases.
Garden & Outbuildings: The grounds contain the world's largest slate sundial. Winner of the HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year Award 1991.
Architect: John Carr
Date: 18th centuryArchitect: George Webster
Date: 1838-42Country Life: CLXVII, 1470, 1980. CLXVIII, 18, 1980.
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Reference: pgs. 225, 1035
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback
Title: American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, The
Author: Morris, William (Editor)
Year Published: 1973
Reference: pg. 132
Publisher: New York: American Heritage Publishing Co.
ISBN: 395090660
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Grade II
Current Seat / Home of: Lord Cavendish of Furness
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: George Preston, 17th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: William Lowther, 17th century. George Augustus Henry Cavendish, 1st Earl of Burlington, 1756-1834; William Cavendish, 2nd Earl of Burlington and 7th Duke of Devonshire, 1834-91.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01539-558-328
Fax: 01539-558-378
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.holker.co.uk/
Awards: Christie's/HHA Garden of the Year 1991.
Historic Houses Member: Yes