Holker Hall was the home of William Cavendish, the future 7th Duke of Devonshire. He married Blanche Howard who had grown up at Castle Howard. They had four children who survived to adulthood, including Spencer and Louisa. Blanche died at age 28 and William spent the rest of his life mourning her. As Duke he still lived at Holker Hall, preferring it to Chatsworth which was too much of a palace for him. Holker is where he had lived with Blanche and all his memories of her were here.

The house doesn't have state rooms. It has a very homey warmth with a lot of handsome woodwork. You can see Louisa's portrait hanging at the end of the gallery.

In the story... Diana arrives here with Spencer and Louisa on their northern progress, visiting relatives and Cavendish properties. Holker Hall is one more component of Spencer's future inheritance.

Above the fireplace in the library hangs the portrait of Lucy Cavendish (1841-1925). She married Louisa's younger brother, Frederick. He was murdered in 1882 the day he arrived in Dublin to take up the post of Chief Secretary for Ireland. Lucy never remarried and is buried beside him at Edensor.

Queen Mary, consort of George V, stayed here early in 1937. Her son, Edward VIII, had just abdicated and she wanted to get away from London. The adjacent room is known as Queen Mary's Dressing Room.

In the story... Diana was given this suite for her visit in 1855.