More information : (SJ 579296) At Hawkstone there is a very extensive
park. It is said to have been disparked about the year 1770,
and restored in the year 1830. (1-3)
Hawkstone Park is now broken up into farms and a golf course.
Its original boundaries could not be ascertained. (4)
SJ 575295. Out of the North Shropshire plain a sudden series of sandstone ridges allowed the Hill family to create a series of curiousities and events in the park adjoining Hawkstone House. This process lasted 150 years and involved several generations. Tunnels, caves, arbours, flights of steps, grottos, follies and numerous other devices were linked together to create sudden surprise and breath-taking views (5).
Late 18th century landscape park for Hawkstone Hall. It is bounded on the west side by Hawk Lake which was constructed during the mid 1870s. Tree belts are present along the north and east boundaries. Mid 18th century features include the terrace which contain remains of the hermitage, tunnels and the White Tower. East of the terrace is the Obelisk which was constructed in 1795, remains of the Tower and Vineyard which comprises fortified walls and ruined turrets, and the grotto. Other features include a walled kitchen garden, late 19th century formal bedding and Temple Walk. (6)
The gardens were established during the 1720s by Francis Chambre and Joseph Holford. Further improvements were made during the early 1830s and included designs by William Sawrey Gilpin in 1832. The pleasure grounds were developed during the 1740s. The park had been established by the late 18th century and included features designed by William Emes during the 1780s. (7)
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