The story of Skelwith Fold starts with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the North of England. As early industrialists started to become wealthy, they discovered the natural beauty of the Lake District and built luxurious mansions on palatial estates amongst the picturesque lakes and dales of what was then the very northern edge of the County Palatine of Lancashire.
Skelwith Fold — A History
Skelwith Fold was the estate centred on the beautiful Skelwith Manor, built by Leeds industrialist John Marshall. The homely cottages built on the edge of the estate were originally for the staff of the manor and grounds.
A photo of another of the Marshall Family’s Cumbrian manor houses. There are no surviving photos of Skelwith Manor, but we do still have the plans showing what the mansion looked like and how it was laid out.
John Marshall was a Leeds industrialist who made his fortune from spinning flax in the early part of the Industrial Revolution. He went on to become an MP and influential figure, building estates such as Skelwith Fold in the Lake District.
The Skelwith Fold Estate remained in the possession of the Marshall Family until the manor was demolished and the land auctioned in 1953.
With the encouragement of the new Lake District National Park Authority, the land of the estate became a holiday park. Meanwhile, the former workers’ cottages were separated from the estate until they were reunited under the same owner nearly seventy years later to be restored and renovated as luxury holiday cottages.
The land and surviving buildings were auctioned as separate lots in April 1953.
Marshall Family History
The Skelwith Fold Estate, built around the Manor and incorporating the Skelwith Fold Cottages, were built to serve the Marshall Family and keep them in luxury during their time in the Lake District.
Marshall Family Tree
The Marshall Family owned the Skelwith Fold Estate from its creation in the early 19th Century until the land was sold as part of the estate of Miss C.F. Marshall two months before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Marshall Family Fortune
The Marshall Family fortune originated with John Marshall who built factories manufacturing flax in Leeds. His most ambitious project was the Temple Works factory near the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which was modelled after the Temple of Edfu in Egypt.
Skelwith Fold has been providing a luxurious escape to the Lake District and its stunning environment for over 200 years.
Skelwith Fold Cottages border the Skelwith Estate they were built to serve to this day. Today the estate is an award-winning holiday park. Staying in the cottages provide you with all the privacy and luxury you want for your perfect holiday – whilst giving you access to the top end facilities of the nearby holiday park.
The Evolution of Skelwith Fold
At the behest of the young Lake District National Park Authority, the Skelwith Fold estate became a holiday park after being bought at auction in 1953. This opened up the Lakes for guests beyond the super-wealthy that had previously been the beneficiaries of the Skelwith Manor and grounds.
Today Skelwith Fold is a five star holiday park renowned for its innovative environmentalism and first class facilities. Guests at Skelwith Fold Cottages can enjoy free use of all facilities whilst also enjoying the privacy of laying outside of the main estate.
Skelwith is now a thriving, modern holiday park with state-of-the art facilities. The cottages that originally housed the estate staff remain outside the main grounds but have been fully restored and renovated, making them truly luxurious self-catering accommodation. They sit just a short walk from the main grounds of Skelwith Fold where the park facilities are free to use for all guests staying in the Skelwith Fold Holiday Cottages.
Skelwith Fold Holiday Cottages 