Chatsworth House is very much the Jewel in the Tourist Crown of Derbyshire…and maybe even across the whole of the U.K. Chatsworth has been the home of the Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire for centuries and despite its grandeur it has been a family home steeped in tradition and no doubt able to tell stories even better than ‘Downton Abbey’.
The setting for the house above the River Derwent provides just the right sort of approach a house of this style deserves. Throughout the Spring, Summer and Autumn the gardens and parkland are a delight to explore and the majestic Emperor Fountain a feature not to be missed….
Chatsworth has always been that little bit different, more than just a little bit ‘special’… so unlike most of our Stately Homes that close for the winter months, Chatsworth keeps its doors open throughout November and December. Even on a dull overcast December day Chatsworth House still shines and impresses….
Christmas is the obvious excuse to attract more visitors so the interior of the house is gets a festive make over, each year being on a different but appropriate seasonal theme. So instead of admiring famous Old Master works of art that adorn the walls, experience the atmosphere as you tread the broad stairways, marvel at the furniture and decor, absorb the history of the house and its family……well you still can, but now it is extra special as the House is dressed for Christmas up in its seasonal best.
This year the theme is ‘Pantomime’. For our overseas readers let me try and explain that Pantomime is a traditional, but quirky Christmas show. The Principle Boy is played by a girl and the Leading Lady who in Pantomime terms is known as a Dame and is played by a man. They are extravagant over the top presentations, humorous, vibrant, spectacular and also a little irreverent, with audience participation and designed to appeal to adults and Children. The story line varies but are all based upon old Nursery Rhymes or Fairy Tails, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Aladdin, Dick Whittington and Sleeping Beauty. So your tour takes you through the great rooms each one depicting a different Pantomime theme all interlinked with festive decorations. So join the tour and discover just a few of the Pantomime sets…..
Whilst the Children Sleep ‘PETER PAN’ flies in through the bedroom window…then takes them to Never, Never Land
Can you spot Jack in ‘JACK AND THE BEAN STALK’ ?
The there is the story of ‘LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD’
She goes to visit her Grandma in her cottage in the woods…..
only to find that the BIG BAD WOLF is in bed disguised as her Grandma.
Oh! Grandma what BIG teeth you’ve got!
The ‘SNOW QUEEN’ on her Slay
‘PUSS IN BOOTS’ from Dick Whittington
The Dining Room set for a Festive Banquet
with a Gingerbread House Theme
Whilst ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’ slumbers on
awaiting that kiss from the Prince to waken her.
But then of course there is the
(and we would all love one of these!)
‘GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGGS’
And perhaps Chatsworth has found just that….the Golden Egg! for the house was packed with visitors who at the end of the tour are funnelled through to the Gift Shop, rammed packed with Christmas bits and bobs…..
Plus lots of Chatsworth produce to indulge in over the Festive period……..and most folk were tempted.
So there you have it a brief Festive look at Chatsworth and the very odd theatrical institution ‘The Pantomime’. I hope you have enjoyed this little tour. In truth we had gone for Lunch in the Houses French Bistro, so I was travelling light with only Jeans small pocket camera, this was pushed to the maximum ISO speed…so sorry that the interiors are not to the usual standard.
18th DECEMBER
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 