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Chatsworth 
Chatsworth House & Park
Chatsworth House, the seat of the Cavendish Family, lies at the heart of the Peak District National Park and is the magnificent home of the 12th Duke & Duchess of Devonshire. Known as the Palace of the Peak, Chatsworth House is generally regarded as the finest palatial home in England; it is one of the countries greatest treasure-houses with a vast collection of art treasures and ancient artefacts from all over the world, gathered together over the five hundred years of it's history - and has justifiably been called the `National Gallery of the North'. The house is open to visitors for most of the year, closing just before Christmas (December 23rd in 2006) and re-opening the following Easter. The wonderfully landscaped park, with it's large herd of deer and five miles of walks, is open to the public all year round with free admission. The History of Chatsworth Prior to the Norman Conquest there were three settlements here, owned by a Saxon named Chetel & his partner Leofnoth. At Domesday the settlements, named as Chetelsuorde (Chatsworth), Ednesovre (Edensor), and Langeleie (Langley) were divided between the King, who claimed Chatsworth & Langley, and the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Henry de Ferrers, who took Edensor. The divided manors were not re-united until 1549 when Sir William Cavendish and his wife, the famous Bess of Hardwick bought them in 1549, along with other large tracts of Derbyshire land, and began building the first house here in 1552. The Hunting Tower which stands on the wooded hill to the east was built in the 1580's, and frequented regularly by Bess and Mary Queen of Scots, who was kept prisoner here under the wardship of Sir George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury (Bess's 4th husband) at various times between 1569 and 1584. Her rooms on the east side of the house, though changed beyond recognition are still called the Queen of Scots Apartments and are accessible to visitors. The fourth Earl was created the first Duke of Devonshire in 1694 for his role in bringing William of Orange & Mary to the English throne and he made major changes to the original Elizabethan house. He rebuilt the south front, adding the magnificent State Apartments, before rebuilding the east front including the Painted Hall and Long Gallery. The Duke then built the new west front between 1699 and 1702 to his own design, and finally the north wing with its bowed front, to create the masterpiece seen today. He also added the Canal Pond, formal gardens on a grand scale, and the famous Cascade, and the `New Chatsworth' was finished just before his death in 1707. The Fourth Duke (1720-1764) made massive changes to the landscape after altering the main approach to the house from the east to the west. He employed the famous landscape designer `Capability' Brown and architect James Paine to straighten out the river and extend the park up the slope to the west. A new north/south road was laid above the west bank of the Derwent, and all the village dwellings of Edensor visible from the new West Front of the house were demolished. Paine also designed and built the ornate stone bridge upstream of the house in 1762. The Sixth Duke, known as the Bachelor Duke (1790-1858) engaged Sir Geoffrey Wyatville to build the long North Wing and appointed Joseph Paxton as his Head Gardener in 1826. Paxton designed and constructed the Emperor Fountain, which can reach a height of over 280ft, and the Great Conservatory, three quarters of an acre of glass, which was demolished a century later; today the Maze grows in its place. Paxton also designed and built the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Edensor -Estate Village The sixth Duke also had the village of Edensor reconstructed further west, and today this unique ducal village, with every house built in a different European style of architecture, is home mainly to the Chatsworth estate work force, and well worth a visit. Edensor (pronounced Ensor) has it's own magnificent church, elegant tea-rooms and own post office - and in St. Peters churchyard are the much visited graves of many Dukes of Devonshire, including that of the Sixth Duke alongside that of his Head gardener, Sir Joseph Paxton. Nearby lies Kathleen Kennedy, sister of the late US President John F Kennedy and widow of the Tenth Duke's eldest son, the Marquis of Hartington, who killed in action in 1944. Chatsworth Estate The one thousand acres of the Chatsworth Estate are easily accessed from either the main A619 Chesterfield Road, or from the A6 at Rowsley. Admission to the park is free, and like the Chatsworth Farm Shop and its restaurant, is open all the year round. The house, gardens, farmyard, gift shops, restaurant and adventure playground are open to the public up to December 23rd , and with the admission price still under a tenner per adult, a visit is not only a must, but a completely fascinating and unforgettable experience which you can take all day to enjoy! There is no time limit. The house contains one of the worlds finest private art collections with many Old Masters, and represents 4,000 years of European culture and expert craftsmanship with artefacts from ancient Greece marble to modern British paintings. This wonderful array of treasures are seen in magnificent rooms on three floors, and include the sheer grandeur of the First Duke's Painted Hall & lavish State Apartments with their richly decorated ceilings, to the 19th century Library, Great Dining Room and Sculpture Gallery. The sanctity of the Chapel has remained unaltered since it was built in 1688, and amongst many other noteable historic artefacts on display are four Royal Thrones! The Garden The garden has evolved over almost 500 years and is around 105 acres of magical landscape which is beautiful in all seasons. There are five miles of walks with rare specimen trees, formal hedges, temples, sculptures, streams and wildlife ponds, and you are welcome to picnic, there are no signs saying `keep off the grass - and dogs on leads are very welcome. Water features include the famous Emperor Fountain, with the highest jet in the world, the twenty-four steps of the 200 yard, 300 year-old Cascade, the Willow Tree Fountain, trough waterfall, and the fascinating water-powered sculpture known as Revelation. The late 11th Duke added many new features including the Serpentine Hedge, the Maze, Kitchen Garden, Cottage Garden, and the new Sensory Garden, and recently gardener and television presenter, Alan Titchmarsh called it "one of the best and most vibrant gardens in Britain"ý. Chatsworth offers something for everyone to enjoy, from famous works of art and spectacular fountains, to the finest food and drink, and many miles of free walking pleasure in a truly magnificent landscape. The Palace of the Peak is a family home which was built to be shared with visitors. You are invited to walk at your own pace through this beautiful house, absorbing centuries of history, and welcome to walk, picnic and play here in the surrounding park. *Visitors should note that there are more than 160 steps up and down on the visitor tour through the house, which is a third of a mile long. Large bags are not allowed and should be left at the gate-house entrance, and due to the number of stairs, pushchairs or prams cannot be taken inside.
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2nd September
Come and enjoy Derbyshire's beautiful countryside, call now for details. Cottages sleeping from 2 - 6 people, quiet rural location, easy access to Alton Towers and wonderful countryside . Pets welcome... |
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30th August
BOOK 5* Elton Old Hall c1668 by 30th September at 2010 Tariff. ... |
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27th August
FRI 3RD SEP - MON 6TH SEP LUXURY BARN CONVERSION WITH HOT TUB IN QUIET VILLAGE LOCATION, GREAT PUB WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE . NOW ONLY £397.50 (WAS £795.00 DUE TO CANCELLATION). SLEEPS UPTO 8 PEOPLE .... |
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27th August
Ideal for reunions, family gatherings and special occasions. Book with us for 2011 before 30th September 2010 to reserve your holiday at the 2010 price banding rate. ... |
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26th August
The Greyhound Hotel, Cromford, Matlock. 16th Century Hotel. Book now for a Special offer for Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal For ONLY £99 per couple per night!! For November and December (excludes Xm... |
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26th August
Oaker View 18th Century one bedroom cottage, with wood burner, in tucked away location 30 yards from Peak National Park, pubs in village, is available from 3.00pm on Saturday 2nd October until 10.00am... |
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26th August
4 Nights for the price of 3 including Full English Breakfast Platter delivered to your door on one morning! Monday 30th Aug to Friday 3rd September or Monday 6th to Friday 10th September in Sheldon... |
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26th August
Cottages available in Eyam and Bradwell. For 2 people Mon to Thursday reduced 25%. Weekends 20%. Weekly rate reduced by 25%. Prices from £192. See www.peakholidayhomes.com Reductions also for 4 and 5 ... |
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24th August
ETB 5 star cottage (2 bedrooms) from Friday 3 Sept for 3 nights due to a cancellation. Fantastic views and great walking straight from the door £295 (was £380) Tel. 01298 84530 ... |
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24th August
Bank Holiday Special - Albertine Barn (sleeps up to 8) - Fri. 27th August 2010 - 3 nights now £740 was £840. Maigold Cottage (sleeps 4) - Fri. 3rd September 2010 - 7 nights £450. ... |
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23rd August
2 luxury Cottages in Foolow Nr Eyam to sleep up to 8 people per cottage. The Old Dairy - 4 nights Mon 30th Aug to Fri 3rd Sept £350.00 The Old Dairy - 7 nights Fri 3rd to Fri 10th Sept £395.00 Shipp... |
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20th August
A seven night self catering holiday in a fantastic house in a super location for only £399. The break is from Saturday 28th August to Saturday 4th September it includes all utilities, bedding, towels... |
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19th August
Bed and Breakfast Oakford Cottage, Matlock. Book more than 2 nights and receive a 10% discount. Traditional Bed and Breakfast in the beautiful Robin Hood area of Matlock, Amber Valley. Outstanding v... |
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19th August
Takes place 19th September, 2010 - 11am until 4pm, FREE admission, Wormhill, Buxton. Are you planning a wedding or civil partnership? Come to the wedding fayre and meet local wedding suppliers. Events... |
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19th August
Quiet, beautiful cottage in Youlgrave has availability for a midweek 4 night break, bank holiday week - starting Tuesday 31st August to morning of Saturday 4th September for £200. ... |
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17th August
Bretton Cottage Bed and Breakfast offering quality accommodation and a varied breakfast menu. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. ... |
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17th August
Bolehill Farm between Bakewell and Monyash has Sheepfold, a split level barn conversion, sleeping four in a double and twin bedroom, available from 21/8 for four nights for £320 or three nights £285 s... |
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17th August
Bank Holiday special offer 7 nights commencing Friday 27th August 2010 only £749 to include champagne & chocolates and unlimited use of the hydrotherapy spa. Call Amanda on 07988 793763 to avoid disa... |
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16th August
WEEKEND CANCELLATION AT THE MEWS! £100 OFF - NOW ONLY £695! Luxury barn conversion for upto 8 people with HOT TUB! Quiet village location, great pub within walking distance 25 mins from Alton Towe... |
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16th August
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION FOR 2 Fri 27th Aug - Mon 30th Aug now available 3 nights (Fri - Mon) now only £295!! (was £375) www.hallfarmholidays.co.uk Philippa 07817 796712 ... |
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