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Chatsworth Estate The home of the Dukes of Devonshire, Chatsworth is one of the true treasure houses of Britain, set in extensive parklands beside the River Derwent. Begun as an Elizabethan mansion by Bess of Hardwick, rebuilt starting in 1686. History The first house at Chatsworth was the work of Bess of Hardwick (c. 1527-1608) and her second husband, Sir William Cavendish. Sir William was a Crown Commissioner responsible for dissolving monasteries and his reward was a gift of land here Bess convinced Sir William to sell his lands elsewhere and build a new house at Chatsworth on the site of an older manor. Construction began in 1552 and went on in fits and starts over the ensuing decades. We know little about that house, which was situated where the current house now sits, but the modern house retains many of the Elizabethan interior walls and the Hunting Tower on the hill above the house dates from the 1580s. When Sir William died in 1557 Bess married twice more. The second of those marriages was to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury (c. 1528-90). Queen Elizabeth appointed Shrewsbury to the post of gaoler to Mary, Queen of Scots. Over the period 1569-1584 Mary spent consider time in captivity at Chatsworth, and her suite of rooms in the east end of the house is still known as the Queen of Scots Apartments. The first Duke rebuilt Chatsworth in Classical style between 1686 and 1707, using an obscure Dutch architect called William Talman. He later fired Talman and the house was completed by Thomas Archer. The Library and North Wing were added by the 6th Duke between 1790 and 1858, the work of Wyatville, and the stables and bridges over the River Derwent were added in the 18th century by Paine. The park was landscaped by the 4th Duke (1720-1764), who engaged 'Capability' Brown to reshape the formal garden into the more natural one you see today. The second Duke did not alter the fabric of Chatsworth House to any great degree, but he found space within the house for his growing collections of art, coins, and gems. The Third Duke is responsible for much of the early 18th century furniture at Chatsworth, most originally designed by William Kent for Devonshire House in London. It was left to the 4th Duke to substantially alter Chatsworth once more; most dramatically he had Edensor village pulled down because he objected to the view. Capability Brown was called in to create a landscape garden where the village had once been, and James Pain was called in to create what must surely be one of the most elaborately ornate stable blocks in the world, just uphill of the house . Chatsworth began with one remarkable woman in Bess of Hardwick, but there were many more. The 5th Duke married Lady Georgiana Spencer, who lived here in a famous 'menage a trois' with the 5th Duke and Lady Elizabeth Foster in the late 18th century - one of the leading lights in high society and a political hostess of the first importance. Lady Georgiana set tongues wagging when she became actively involved in political campaigning, something considered not at all suitable for a lady at that time. The 6th Duke entertained on a lavish scale, and embellished Chatsworth and other of his properties to such a degree that he was forced to sell off several properties to avoid bankruptcy. Other Interesting Features of The Chatsworth Estate The Gardens The 6th Duke developed a keen interest in gardening, and in 1826 he began a partnership with Joseph Paxton head gardener at the age of 23, resulting in the enrichment of the gardens and he was to create at Chatsworth the gardens you can see today. Paxton designed the Great Conservatory, a ground-breaking design in glass, iron, and wood, which would serve as an inspiration for his later design of The Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. The Great Conservatory was located where the Maze now stands. Paxton also designed the striking Emperor Fountain Fountain (to impress the Czar of Russia when he visited) in the Canal Pond. This entailed creating an 8 acre reservoir on the hill above to create a gravity fed supply of water for the fountain. The Emperor Fountain is among the tallest gravity fed fountains in the world, reaching a height of 280 feet. Paxton worked at Chatsworth the rest of his life, staying for 32 years. The house and gardens have remained little changed since this time, The Cascade The Cascade drops down over 200 vertical feet in a fall of 24 steps. Each step is of different size and shape so that the sound made by the water as it runs down the Cascade is unique and never monotonous. Grillet was brought in to construct the wonderful Cascade, a man-made waterfall to the west of the house. The Cascade needed a focal point; a classical temple at the head of the drop, and Thomas Archer was called in to provide this and the design for the North Front. George London and Henry Wise designed extensive formal gardens, and in 1702 a hill was levelled to provide space for the new Canal Pond. The Maze Standing where Paxton's Great Conservatory once stood, the Maze is a high hedge designed to bamboozle the most astute navigator. Once you've spent your wits finding the centre of the Maze, you have to wander your way out again! Chatsworth House Interior Highlights Painted Hall Created by the first Duke, the Painted Hall is the first major room that visitors to the house see. The Hall contains vast wall and ceiling paintings depicting scenes from the life of Julius Caesar. Art Collection There are so many real treasures at Chatsworth that it is hard to know where to begin. There is statuary scattered throughout the house, but the bulk is on display in the Sculpture Gallery. Highlights of the collections on display include four royal thrones, a striking ancient Greek marble foot, and a titanium fan of a Rolls Royce jet engine. Oak Room The oldest room in the house. It is richly furnished, with carvings and panelling bought by the 6th Duke from a German monastery. Queen of Scots Chambers This suite of rooms in the East Wing once housed Mary, Queen of Scots during her time in captivity. The rooms themselves are so much altered that Mary herself would never recognize them. Other Activities. Chatsworth for Families In the event that your children are not impressed by ornate interiors and art treasures, there is plenty more to occupy the younger generation at Chatsworth. The Farm allows children the opportunity to see animals up close. The Adventure Playground is a very popular activity area for children of all ages - and a bit of fun for parents as well! Must visit venue for 4-10year olds. Chatsworth Farm Shop Winner of Farm Retailer of the Year and Best On-farm Butchery 2009 and 2011 at the FARMA awards, Chatsworth farm shop offers quality produce fresh from the estate, tenant farms, Derbyshire suppliers and small food producers. Traditional butchers will guide you through the vast array of meat, poultry and game. Delicious home-cooked meats and pies are available from the delicatessen counter, and the bakery provides wonderful fresh bread and cakes. |
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