The layout of Hackfall was probably conceived in the time of John Aislabie, though realised by William from 1742, with work continuing into the 1770s. It was intended to be seen as a satellite in conjunction with Studley Royal the centrepiece of the Aislabie's Picturesque estate. Known to Wordsworth and painted by Turner, Hackfall was developed by their descendant the Marquis of Ripon as a popular beauty spot and remained well known until the 1930s.