Figures and livestock at a woodland pool in Hawkstone Park, Shropshire

Hawkstone Hall, Shropshire, was the seat of the Hill family. A very fine brick house was built by Richard Hill, who made his fortune as Deputy Paymaster of the King's army in Flanders during King William III's campaigns (1692-97). The house was subsequently greatly enlarged by his nephew Sir Rowland Hill (d.1783) who succeeded him. In the 18th Century and well into the 19th Century, Hawkstone Park was celebrated for its romantic and picturesque qualities and especially for its awe inspiring cliffs, its grotto, and the magnificence of the views from its hills.