DiCamillo Companion
England

Holker Hall

  • 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: Paley & Austin

    Date: Post 1873
    Designed: Rebuilt House after 1873 fire

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    Architect: John Carr

    Date: 18th century
    Designed: Unidentified addition of circa 1783 and garden temple of circa 1787 (demolished) for Lord George Cavendish

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    Architect: George Webster

    Date: 1838-42
    Designed: Remodeled in Elizabethan style for 2nd Earl of Burlington

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  • Country 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

  • "The Good Soldier" (1981 - TV movie). "Hidden Treasure Houses" (2004 - half-hour documentary by James Miller of Sotheby's).
  • 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