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Chatsworth

Chatsworth, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire dates back to the early sixteenth century. From the beginning Chatsworth was involved with the religious disputes that shaped Britain into modern times. The house was first built by Elizabeth Hardwick, and her husband Sir William Cavendish. Sir William was in Treasurer to Henry the Eighth, and he benefited greatly from the dissolution of the monasteries after 1532. He was made the First Earl of Devonshire, and Chatsworth was his home. From that starting point potestant and catholics vied for the upper hand, through the brief reigns of protestant Edward the Sixth and Lady Jane Grey, then through the reigns of catholic Mary, and Protestant Elizabeth the First. The catholic Mary Queen of Scots, was held prisoner by Elizabeth at Chatsworth on a number of occasions between 1569 and 1584.

Chatsworth was centre stage once again in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Parliament had decided that the Catholic James the Second had to go. The Fourth Earl of Devonshire was a central figure in this plan. He met with his fellow conspirators at the Cock and Pynot inn in nearby Chesterfield, which can still be visited, although it is now known as the Revolution House. Here a plan was developed for James to be replaced by William of Orange, who was married to James' daughter Mary, a protestant. William landed at Brixham, and James fled to Europe without putting up resistance. The earl was rewarded for his support by being made a duke, and he became the First Duke of Devonshire. The new duke was given a lot of money which he used to make Chatsworth even more grand. Much of the house dates from this time, and there are many reminders of 1688 and its aftermath in the house. In the Great Chamber the huge ceiling painting by Antonio Verrio, painted between 1691 - 2, shows the return of the Golden Age, with Virtues overcoming Vices. This refers to the arrival of William and Mary in England in 1688. To see a picture of the First Duke of Devonshire look for the painting to the left of the mirror in the dining room.

An echo of these times remains in Northern Ireland where the struggle between catholics and protestants continues to this day. Protestant Orange Orders still organise marches every year in support of a seventeenth century Dutch aristocrat. For anyone who feels that history is irrelevant, a trip around Chatsworth, and a chat with Dennis, a guide I talked to in the Dining Room, might bring on a change of mind.

Like Petworth in West Sussex, Chatsworth is a forerunner of today's museums, a grand house with a huge collection of objects and paintings.

Grounds at Chatsworth, landscaped by Capability Brown

Outside the house the first Duke built a formal garden, a reminder of which can still be seen at Chatsworth. In the eighteenth century Capability Brown landscaped the grounds in the natural English style. The gardens also have a strong Victorian influence. A giant rockery, recently restored, was built, along with a glass house and the vast Emperor Fountain, which can still project water 280 feet into the air. A more modern influence is seen in the modern sculptures dotted around the grounds.

Chatsworth has excellent facilities for children. There is a farmyard where children can meet the animals, and a wonderful adventure playground which includes water play and spiral slides.

 

Opening Times: Chatsworth park is open all year. The house is open from 12th March to 23rd December 10:30am to 6pm, last admission 5pm. The garden is open 10:30am to 6:30pm. The farmyard and playground are open 10:30am to 5:30pm and the shops from 11am to 5:30pm.

Directions: Chatsworth, in Derbyshire, is eight miles north of Matlock on the B6012. Leave the M1 at junction 29 and follow signs for Chesterfield. Then follow brown tourist signs for Chatsworth. Bus services are available from Sheffield, Matlock and Derby. Click here for an interactive map centred on Chatsworth.

Access: there is designated parking, manual and electric wheelchairs to borrow, adapted toilets, accessible shop and restaurant, a map outlining accessible routes in the gardens, and a twenty eight seat wheelchair accessible trailer for tours of the grounds. Access in the house itself is poor, but virtual tours are available.

Contact:

phone: 01246 582204

web: www.chatsworth-house.co.uk