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Chatsworth: A Landscape History
The seat of the Cavendish family since 1549, Chatsworth is more than a great country house: it is one of Europe's finest designed landscapes. This book tells the story of Chatsworth's gardens and park, a grand, thousand-year narrative that takes us from a small Domesday settlement to Elizabeth Frink's sculpture of a stallion, set proudly at the head of the Canal Pond.
John Barnatt and Tom Williamson show how Chatsworth's history is like a tapestry. Particular individuals -for instance 'Bess' of Hardwick, the successive Dukes of Devonshire, 'Capability' Brown and Joseph Paxton - come and go, weave their distinctive threads, and then move on. The authors trace these threads backwards and forwards in time, showing in detail the process of landscape evolution. The book:
combines original archival research and archaeological survey in a multi-faceted 'garden history';
is richly illustrated with photographs, historic maps and paintings from Chatsworth's own collections;
reveals for the first time the details of the medieval and earlier field systems and settlements which underlie the park.
John Barnatt is Senior Survey Archaeologist for the Peak District National Park Authority and the author of The Peak District: Landscapes through Time (Windgather 2004). Tom Williamson's many books include Shaping Medieval Landscapes (Windgather 2003).
John Barnatt and Tom Williamson show how Chatsworth's history is like a tapestry. Particular individuals -for instance 'Bess' of Hardwick, the successive Dukes of Devonshire, 'Capability' Brown and Joseph Paxton - come and go, weave their distinctive threads, and then move on. The authors trace these threads backwards and forwards in time, showing in detail the process of landscape evolution. The book:
combines original archival research and archaeological survey in a multi-faceted 'garden history';
is richly illustrated with photographs, historic maps and paintings from Chatsworth's own collections;
reveals for the first time the details of the medieval and earlier field systems and settlements which underlie the park.
John Barnatt is Senior Survey Archaeologist for the Peak District National Park Authority and the author of The Peak District: Landscapes through Time (Windgather 2004). Tom Williamson's many books include Shaping Medieval Landscapes (Windgather 2003).
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 17, 2020
My reason for reading was to learn more about various features of the garden like the Cascade. Do wish it would of had more about Conservatory known as The Great Stove. There was only one picture of it. But overall is good history. As often is the case with books like these it's a bit of a slow read in places.
I did appreciate this quote: "It was generally accepted that members of the 'polite classes could turn up a major stately homes and, making the appropriate tips to housekeepers and gardeners, be shown the principle features of the house and grounds."
Reminded me of Pride and Prejudice.
I did appreciate this quote: "It was generally accepted that members of the 'polite classes could turn up a major stately homes and, making the appropriate tips to housekeepers and gardeners, be shown the principle features of the house and grounds."
Reminded me of Pride and Prejudice.
Displaying 1 of 1 review