Go Behind the Scenes at Chatsworth this Winter

A series of talks at Chatsworth, this winter, will give a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the great estate - from a dash through the history of the Devonshire family and the account of life in the estate villages by the recently retired head housekeeper of 40 years, to the newly revealed stories of the famous Mortlake Tapestries returning this season after two years of restoration.

Taking place from 15 January to 11 March 2016 on selected Fridays, the talks take place in the Hartington room at the Stables at 11am, with refreshments served in the Cavendish restaurant at 10.30am. Tickets for each are priced at £12, and can be booked online.

Throughout winter, the shop and Carriage House restaurant are open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Once again, Chatsworth is delighted to host the Peak District Artisans Spring Showcase in the Burlington Room.  Work from more than 30 artists, designer-makers and contemporary craftspeople from across the Peak District will be on show from 6 January to 13 March, open daily 10.30am – 3.30pm. Admission is free.

Confirmed talks to date are below, with more expected shortly, so please check the website for details.

15 January
The Old Park - Chatsworth's hidden gem
An indoor excursion of this unique and very beautiful part of Chatsworth Park, which due to its special nature has very limited access to visitors.
David Spencer, Domain Senior Supervisor

22 January
Chatsworth, Chelsea and back again
Steve Porter, Head of Gardens and Landscape

12 February
Dash through the Devonshires
The Devonshires in Derbyshire, the story unfolds. Join us on a journey through five hundred years of family history to find the colourful characters who influenced the fortunes and survival of Chatsworth.
Lorraine Mayfield, Expert Guide

19 February

The return of the Mortlake tapestries
Two of our 17th century tapestries return this season following two years of conservation. In those two years the tapestries have revealed a lot which we can now share with our visitors.
Susie Stokoe, Textile Department Supervisor

26 February
Glimpses into phase four of the Masterplan
Glimpse into phase four of the Masterplan which includes traditional crafts such as stonework and the conservation/restoration of the East façade.
Sean Doxey, Head of Special Projects

4 March
Chatsworth: A Living Estate 
With over forty years experience living on the Chatsworth Estate, recently retired head housekeeper, Christine Robinson, talks about this very special community and its villages.
Christine Robinson, Retired Head Housekeeper

11 March
Lismore Castle
An insight into the Devonshire family's home in Ireland, Lismore Castle, and its links to Chatsworth; from how it came to be part of the estate and its social history, to how it is used and enjoyed today.

Photography: Chatsworth House Trust