The designed landscape of Kirby Hall was largely shaped by the decision of Stephen Thompson to build himself a new hall in 1746. He was a friend of Lord Burlington who is credited alongside Roger Morris, John Carr and Thompson himself with the design of the building. Taking advantage of a natural watercourse, Thompson created a serpentine ‘river’ possibly inspired by the one at Chiswick, the London home of Burlington. Stephen’s brother and nephew continued to develop the grounds from 1764, employing the designers, Adam Mickle II and possibly Thomas White, although the exact extent of their involvement is unknown as no improvement plans survive.
With a significant inheritance in 1814, Richard John Thompson had the funds to add to the designed landscape, commissioning a plan for the flower garden and a fountain from John B. Papworth in 1834. As the plan is now lost, it is unclear whether it was carried out. Thompson’s son, Henry, extended the hall and added other buildings including a second lodge and extensive glasshouses in the third quarter of the 19th century. By 1907, the parkland had reached its greatest extent however in 1919, the estate was sold and the 18th century part of the hall was demolished the following year. The designed landscape remained largely intact though and today provides an important setting for the remaining listed buildings of the Kirby Hall estate.