Historic parkland at Holywell Hall is depicted on the 1st edition 6" and 2nd edition 25" Ordnance Survey County Series maps. {1}{2} The parkland at Holywell Hall is of mid 18th century origin. It is believed to have been laid out in the early 1760s by the astronomer, architect and amateur landscape gardener, Thomas Wright of Durham, following the directions of Samuel Reynardson. The Holywell Eastate had been previously acquired in 1728 by Lady Mary Barnardiston, who settled the property on her brother Samuel in 1732, on the occasion of his marriage. Reynardson then proceeded to demolish and rebuild much of the manor house at Holywell, creating the present, largely Georgian structure of Holywell Hall (see MLI95066). Other buildings believed to have already been located on the estate at this time included the Church of St Wilfred (see MLI33602), built using material from the demolished medieval church at Aunby, and the mid 17th century pigeoncote (see MLI95068). The exact dates of construction of the stables (see MLI96355), barn (see MLI95070) and tack room (see MLI95069) are not certain, and it is unclear whether these buildings were added by Reynardson, or were already present on the estate. The parkland occupies roughly 36 hectares of land, situated in a shallow valley formed by a small stream which is a tributary of the River Glen. The park is bounded on the south by Holywell Road, and on the west side by the woodland to the west of the lake continuing northwards to take in New Wood and The Slip. The northern boundary follows the northern drive running east-west which joins up with Holywell Road. The eastern boundary follows Holywell Road southwards to include the eastern lake (with a 5m buffer) before joining up with the road. Documentary evidence suggests that the plans for the parkland were drawn up in 1760, with the planting and landscaping works commencing soon after. The principal elements of the park includes a series of three serpentine lakes, of which the western one has two small islands within it. The main entrance drive is at the south-eastern corner of the park and is marked by two pairs of panelled stone gate piers and decorative iron gates (not original). The drive falls across the southern slope of the valley to a causeway where it crosses between the central and western lake. A secondary drive is at the north-eastern corner of the park running westwards off Holywell Road and leading to the outbuildings on the north side of Holywell Hall. The public road continues south from this secondary driveway entrance, to pass between the central and eastern lakes by means of a Grade II listed mid 18th century stone ashlar bridge (see MLI95918). On the north side of the western lake is a Grade II* listed fishing temple, built in 1764, which has a pedimented Tuscan Doric portico in antis and rusticated windows in the side bays (see MLI95067). To the west of the house, facing the lakes, is a Grade II listed orangery, built in 1764, in ashlared stone with a hipped slate roof (see MLI95917). A large walled garden of an approximately rectangular shape lies to the north-west of the hall. The walls are constructed of stone with pantile coping and incorporate a gardener’s cottage on the outside of the north wall. A sunken garden, of unknown date, lies to the immediate west of the hall. A pond garden, created in the late 20th century, lies between the kitchen garden and the sunken garden. Samuel Reynardson's decendants remained at Holywell until the 1950s. Later owners of the estate have added to the gardens. The park is registered as being of special historic interest. For the full description of this designated asset, please refer to the National Heritage List for England entry. {3}