Secrets Of Chatsworth

In its 500-year history, Chatsworth has been home to some notable inhabitants, among them the 5th Duke of Devonshire, his wife, Lady Georgiana Spencer, and Lady Elizabeth Foster, who lived together in a ménage à trois.

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The grounds at Chatsworth were designed by visionary gardener and architect Joseph Paxton who created an elaborate water system to power one of the highest fountains of the 1800s.

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Front of Chatsworth house in Derbyshire, home to the Dukes of Devonshire for more than 500 years. Today, the 12th Duke resides over the 175-room mansion and an invaluable art collection.

Courtesy of Pioneer Productions

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Chatsworth house in Derbyshire has been home to the Dukes of Devonshire for more than 500 years. Today, the 12th Duke resides over the 175-room mansion and an invaluable art collection (pictured).

Courtesy of Pioneer Productions

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Fountain on the grounds at Chatsworth.

Courtesy of Pioneer Productions

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John F. Kennedy’s favorite sister Kathleen Kennedy married an heir to the Dukedom of Devonshire. Both Kathleen and her husband died in tragic circumstances and are buried in the graveyard at Chatsworth (pictured).

Courtesy of Pioneer Productions

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Throughout the centuries servants have used the back stairs at Chatsworth to wait on their masters without being seen.

Courtesy of Pioneer Productions

King Edward VII enjoyed shooting parties on the estate and was often entertained by Duchess Louisa, one of Britain’s foremost political hostesses.

Duchess Louisa’s daughter-in-law, American Consuelo Yznaga del Valle, introduced American heiresses into the British aristocracy; many of these young women married British noblemen.

Billy Cavendish, heir of the 10th Duke of Devonshire, wooed and wed Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of future U.S. president John F. Kennedy. The marriage was short-lived, however: Billy died in action in World War II four months after they exchanged vows. Four years later, Kathleen died in a plane crash. She was buried at Chatsworth.

Secrets of Chatsworth - Preview

Survey the 500-year history of Chatsworth and learn about its American connections. 7/14/2013