Lot Essay
Arthur Frederick Holdsworth (1838-1919) was the descendant of a prominent Devon family with considerable shipping, political and industrial interests. Their fortune was first made from trade with Newfoundland in the late 17th century which led to the award of the 'The Waters of the Dart' from the Duchy of Cornwall in 1725. This entitled them to levy tolls on all goods landed between Salcombe and Torbay and lasted until 1860. The family remained in shipping and Holdsworth's grandfather was the last Governor General of Dartmouth Castle.