The country pile of the Cavendish family – Dukes of Devonshire. Why the Dukes of Devonshire should be based up this end of the country (Derbyshire) was a query I had. Apparently when William Cavendish became the 1st Earl there was already an Earl of Derby. So it was pick a county even if you had no connection with it.

Family fortune was set up by William Cavendish back in the 16th century when he acquired land and money through his work with Thomas Cromwell and the Dissolution of the monasteries. He was also the second husband of Bess of Hardwick who through four strategic marriages – each husband was richer than the previous – became very wealthy To the benefit of her children. She and William started building the house in 1553.

Obviously its had a few modifications since then.

Anyway, yesterday we hopped in the car with Ralph (uncle) and Jasper (cousin’s son) and headed down to Chatsworth for their annual Christmas theme exhibition. Not to mention the Christmas market. Stopped first at the nearby village of Bakewell for lunch and the compulsory purchase of Bakewell pies. Also picked up a stash of the christmas pudding fudge which was being hand made in the Duke shop – not a surprising location for the activity I guess.

Joined vast numbers of cars parked in the house grounds. First up a saunter through the gardens which are stunning. The work back in the day of Capability Brown. Every garden should have a water feature. The Emperor Fountain, the Cascade, Seahorse fountain and Canal Pond take it concept to an amazing level. Part of the garden, walled near the house is private but otherwise you’re fairly free to roam.

After the garden it was time to check out the famed shop – set up by the late Duchess, Deborah Mitford – and then the Christmas market which is in full swing.

4:15 was out appointed time slot to view the Christmas display. Theme was the Nutcracker. Again quite amazing. Beautiful Christmas decorations strung through a number of the rooms in the house. Great opportunity to view some of the rooms and the art work which were amazing. I shan’t attempt a word picture – a gallery will do much better!!