Lady Maria Harriet Palk was born the daughter of Sir Thomas Hesketh, 5th Baronet. In 1845 she married Sir Laurence Palk (1818-1883), who was returned as M.P. for Devon South (1854-1868). He later became Baron Haldon (created 29 May 1880). The couple had four sons: Lawrence Hesketh (born in 1846), Robert Henry (born in 1848), Walter George (born abt. 1849) and Edward Arthur (born in 1854).

If this boy is the eldest, Lawrence Hesketh Palk, then he was born at Haldon House, Devon, on 6 September 1846. He was educated at Eton 1859-63 and matriculated at Oxord (Christ Church) on 14 October 1864. On 7 October 1868 he married Constance Marie Barrington, daughter of 7th Viscount Barrington of Ardglass. In 1883 he gained the title 2nd Baron Haldon. Despite inheriting three-quarters of Torquay from his father, he was declared a bankrupt in January 1891. He died on 31 December 1903, aged 57.