In addition to the 300 year old Cascade, the Gardens include the gravity-fed Emperor Fountain, above. In 1844, it became known that Czar Nicholas, Emperor of Russia might visit Chatsworth. The Duke thought to welcome the Czar with an even higher fountain than the one at Peterhof (the Czar’s palace in N.E. Russia), and so an existing fountain was renovated. Unfortunately, the Czar never visited Chatsworth, but the new fountain was still named after him.
Above and below are photos of Blanche’s Vase, on the Long Walk, named for Blanche Georgiana Cavendish, nee Howard, granddaughter of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Blanche married William Cavendish, 2nd Earl of Burlington, but tragically died at the age of 28 in 1840. Her uncle, the Duke of Devonshire, was left heartbroken by the death of his favorite niece and wrote the following: “There are many things at Chatsworth that I should not have allowed myself to do had I not reposed in the thoughts of being succeeded by a person so indulgent, so much attached to me as Blanche.” (‘The Garden at Chatsworth‘ by Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire).
The latest restoration project at the Gardens has been conducted on the Trout Stream. You’ll find a short video on the project here.
What a beautiful day that was! One of the things I liked most about the gardens were the families who gathered there to picnic or to simply kick a ball around. How lovely it is that the Devonshires have opened their grounds to everyone. And how happy the children looked who could run and play in such a beautiful place!!!
It is worth a visit. And worth returning to see again and again.