I have just come across a reference to William Robinson Marshall in "Watson's Almanack 1876". Horace Watson of Laceby who produced the Almanack wrote the following about Laceby:
".... The seat of C Coates, Esq., is a neat edifice, standing in a park-like close a short distance from the road, and, with the
other residences, forms a good entry into the village. Mr Marshall, of Grimsby, has bought about 75 acres of land on the Grimsby-road, on a portion of which he contemplates building a large mansion, facing the said road, and has laid the ground out and made two large fish ponds. Mr Long, Grimsby, has also bought about 50 acres of land, near Irby, and is now building a large mansion thereon."
On checking various directory entries for Laceby between 1876 and 1900, there is reference to William Robinson Marshall being one of the principal landowners in Laceby. From 1902, G F Sleight Esq seems to have replaced William R Marshall. Mr Long, the other purchaser of land mentioned in the Almanack article, was also a Grimsby timber merchant and the mansion he built was "The Oaklands". The ponds that William Marshall made can be seen on the 1911 Land Values map of Laceby and are still visible today by Laceby Beck. Stud Farm and Stud Farm Cottage were also built although I believe that Stud Farm was demolished in the late 1960s due to subsidence. Stud Farm Cottage still exists.