The sixteenth edition of "Black's Guide" was published the
year after this photograph was taken. The following extracts have been transcribed
from the guide.
"CHATSWORTH PARK extends over a space of upwards of eleven miles
in circumference, and is richly varied in the scenery — the
mountainous heights covered with forest trees of magnificent growth,
the valley watered by the river Derwent and the small tributary
streams, the gently-swelling eminence, the carpet-like lawn,
the elegant parterres, the quiet secluded nook, and the palatial
terrace — are all to be found amongst its attractions. The
river Derwent divides the park into two almost equal portions
— the gardens and house being situated on the eastern division,
and the beautiful little village of Edensor on the western skirting
of the park. Many delightful views occur in the park, particularly
on the way to Rowsley, which is by road almost parallel to the
Derwent. Visitors enter the park by the lodges at Edensor ;
Edensor Mill by Beeley Bridge, and at Baslow ; and there
is a private lodge at Beeley".
"CHATSWORTH HOUSE exterior presents a simple yet magnificent
western façade. The base is rusticated ; on this rests
a series of finely proportioned Ionic fluted pillars and pilasters,
supporting a sculptured frieze, and in the centre, a pediment
bearing in its tympanum the Cavendish Arms, beautifully sculpted
by the celebrated Samuel Watson, who, in conjunction with
Lobb and Davies, supplied the major part of the carvings about Chatsworth.
The elegant open balustrade which surmounts the frieze bears at intervals
statues, urns and vases. An extensive northern wing has been added from
the designs of Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, and of the most chaste character ;
it is an addition truly worthy of the mansion, but differs from it in
style, being a compound of Corinthian, Doric, and Ionic architecture.
Like the mansion, which it equals in height, the temple at the end of
the wing is surmounted by an open balustrade, at the corners of which
are elegant vases".
"As the hour of eleven arrives, there are generally
several parties outside the richly gilded gates of wrought
iron, waiting for the time of admission".
We can just make out the Hunting Tower, amongst the trees high on
the hill above the house. Black described it as "one of the most
prominent objects in the landscape". The square building
is 90 feet high and there are circular towers at each corner.
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References:
[1] "Black's Tourist Guide
to Derbyshire" (16th edtn., 1888) pub. Adam and Charles
Black, Edinburgh.
Also see, elsewhere on this web site:
 Chatsworth,
Kelly's 1891 Directory.
Derbyshire's
Parishes, 1811
The
Wolley Manuscripts, Derbyshire for more information about Derbyshire
deeds, pedigrees, documents and wills |
