News

University hosts ‘An evening with The Duke of Devonshire’

31 May 2016

The Duke of Devonshire will present an illustrated talk about the gardens and landscape of Chatsworth in Derbyshire at an event hosted by the University of Derby on June 2, 2016.

TV shows like Love Your Garden and Gardeners’ World and the popularity of the Chelsea Flower Show clearly demonstrate how gardens and the landscape around us have become increasingly more popular.

As part of the event, The Duke, who is also the University’s Chancellor, will discuss the change of appearance, management and features in Chatsworth gardens and landscapes from the 1st Duke to present day.  

The Duke of Devonshire said: “I’m greatly looking forward to speaking at the University especially as my subject is the garden and landscape here at Chatsworth. For too long the landscape surrounding Chatsworth has been something that has been taken for granted, even by us who live and work here. 

“However, over the last few years I have come to learn much more about the remarkable changes that have taken place here over the past 500 years and more. I look forward to sharing this knowledge with the audience at the University of Derby.”

The duke stood

Paul Elliott, a leading landscape historian and Professor of Modern History at the University of Derby, added: “This presentation by the Duke of Devonshire provides an exciting opportunity to learn about the design and planting of one of the most magnificent European country house gardens.

“Through the work of Lancelot Brown, Joseph Paxton and many gardeners and estate workers, Chatsworth Park was transformed through the centuries, and strolling through it provides a grand tour of British landscape gardening history.

“Paxton’s arboretum, for example, exhibited trees and shrubs from across the globe, while the Great Stove conservatory, the outline of which is still discernible today, helped to inspire the famous Crystal Palace of the Great Exhibition in 1851.

“The design, planting and management of the Chatsworth estate also helped to assert and sustain the wealth and power of the Cavendish family.”

The free event will start at 6:30pm.