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In 1688 the Earl of Devonshire, from nearby Chatsworth, the Earl of Danby, and John D'Arcy met at an alehouse called the Cock and Pynot to plan a move against James II. James' catholicising programme was causing concern. The conspirator's original plan was only to ask Dutch leader William of Orange for help in controlling James. But events got out of control, and James fled the country. Parliament was forced into offering the throne to William and his wife Mary Stuart as joint monarchs. Naturally a sense of confusion amongst the country's leaders could not be accepted, so William and Mary's succession was given the grand term " Glorious Revolution". This term still endures, and is one of those tricks which gives a sense of human control in history, when in fact people were dragged along by events.
The Cock and Pynot is now called the Revolution House, and can be found in Little Whittington village, two miles north of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. There is a display of seventeenth century furniture, and an exhibition on local historical themes. There is also a video presentation describing the Glorious Revolution.
Address: Revolution House, High Street, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9JZ
Directions: From the A61 take the B6052. In Old Whittington turn left into Church Street North, and then immediately right. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Revolution House.
Admission is free.
Opening Times: Revolution House is open from 6th April to the 30th September, Friday to Sunday and bank holidays 11am - 4pm.
Access: Wheelchair access is good to the ground floor only. Access to the first floor is via a steep set of stairs.
Contact:
web site: http://www.chesterfieldbc.gov.uk/site/default.asp?CATID=63&CID=265&CH=1&ttype=full
telephone: 01246 345727
e-mail: museum@chesterfield.gov.uk