Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Spring has sprung, which can only mean one thing – time for a new exhibition at glorious Chatsworth House in the Peak District. After the success of last year’s botanical <em>Gorgeous Nothings, Flowers at Chatsworth, </em>expectations are high.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Library-today-and-as-pictured-in-Handbook-of-Chatsworth-and-Hardwick-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="chatsworth library" class="wp-image-17286" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Library-today-and-as-pictured-in-Handbook-of-Chatsworth-and-Hardwick-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Library-today-and-as-pictured-in-Handbook-of-Chatsworth-and-Hardwick-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Library-today-and-as-pictured-in-Handbook-of-Chatsworth-and-Hardwick-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Library-today-and-as-pictured-in-Handbook-of-Chatsworth-and-Hardwick-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>For 2026, Chatsworth has looked to it&#8217;s impressive, gilt-trimmed library for inspiration. Over four centuries the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/visit-chatsworth/chatsworth-estate/history-of-chatsworth/meet-the-devonshire-family/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devonshire family</a>&nbsp;has read, collected, and championed great writing. For the first time, and in celebration of the UK’s National Year of Reading, the exhibition brings together some of the library’s most exciting books, with first and early editions by authors including Chaucer, Austen, Byron, Dickens, and Charlotte Brontë. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-Stories-1024x683.jpg" alt="woman reading book at chatsworth exhibition" class="wp-image-17281" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-Stories-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-Stories-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-Stories-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-Stories.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-treasures-of-chatsworth">THE TREASURES OF CHATSWORTH</h2>



<p>The gorgeous library is stuffed with literary treasures and the new exhibition begins by bringing them centre stage. It kicks off in the State rooms, where a giant book introduces some of Chatsworth&#8217;s richest written gems.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-S-1024x683.jpg" alt="chatsworth house of stories exhibition" class="wp-image-17291" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-S-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-S-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-S-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-House-of-S.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Image by Cara McCarney</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>If you’re a frequent visitor to Chatsworth, you’ll be used to skirting the edge of the state drawing room and viewing it from afar, but the new exhibition has opened it right up, inviting you inside to pore over the earliest library catalogues dating back to the 1620s. Treasures such as Milton’s Paradise Lost are listed in the ancient catalogue and this part of the exhibition culminates in a precious fragment of Chaucer’s original Canterbury Tales (survived by chance as part of a binding for another book).</p>



<p>But it’s not just books on display; perfect pieces from the Chatsworth collection have been merged with the exhibition, showcasing stunning 18<sup>th</sup> century writing desks, apt works of arts, and drawing cabinets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-writers-amp-artists">WRITERS &amp; ARTISTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-deskchair-cm-1024x683.jpg" alt="ornate wqriting desk at chatsworth house derbyshire" class="wp-image-17293" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-deskchair-cm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-deskchair-cm-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-deskchair-cm-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-deskchair-cm.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Image by Cara McCarney</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>As you move through the house, the next section focuses on the literary lives of those who have lived at Chatsworth. A beautiful writing desk and swivel chair dating back to 1684 may well have been the one Georgina Cavendish, duchess of Devonshire penned her poems at. Audio recordings of some of the books pepper the exhibition and help bring it to life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-beauty-of-the-book">THE BEAUTY OF THE BOOK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Letter-to-6th-Duke-from-Elizabeth-Gaskell-letter-to-Gaskell-from-Charlotte-Bronte-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="letter from Charlotte bronte at Chatsworth exhibition house of stories" class="wp-image-17283" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Letter-to-6th-Duke-from-Elizabeth-Gaskell-letter-to-Gaskell-from-Charlotte-Bronte-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Letter-to-6th-Duke-from-Elizabeth-Gaskell-letter-to-Gaskell-from-Charlotte-Bronte-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Letter-to-6th-Duke-from-Elizabeth-Gaskell-letter-to-Gaskell-from-Charlotte-Bronte-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Letter-to-6th-Duke-from-Elizabeth-Gaskell-letter-to-Gaskell-from-Charlotte-Bronte-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Letter to 6th Duke from Elizabeth Gaskell, letter to Gaskell from Charlotte Bronte</figcaption></figure>



<p>A feast for the eyes in this part of the exhibition, with impossibly beautiful books from the collection on display. Dramatically-lit, you’ll find embellished, hand-decorated books with ornate clasps, engravings, gilded pages, and gorgeous bindings.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-book-x-1024x683.jpg" alt="ornate book from chatsworth house collection" class="wp-image-17292" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-book-x-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-book-x-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-book-x-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-book-x.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Image by Cara McCarney</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rooms-filled-with-stories">ROOMS FILLED WITH STORIES</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-bed-desk-1024x683.jpg" alt="bedroom at chatsworth house" class="wp-image-17285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-bed-desk-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-bed-desk-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-bed-desk-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-bed-desk.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Then the focus switches to the Devonshire family as readers, writers, and collectors. And this where the exhibition really comes to life. The Chinese-wallpapered bedrooms and the secrets they spill really give you a sense of what Chatsworth was and is. The families who have lived here were at the heart of literary circles. William Cavendish, the 6<sup>th</sup> duke of Devonshire, in particular was a massive bibliophile who befriended writers he admired and welcomed them to Chatsworth. He dabbled in writing himself, and there’s a flattering letter from Charles Dickens impressed with his work on display.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-ornate-room-cm-1024x683.jpg" alt="ornate room chatsworth house" class="wp-image-17294" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-ornate-room-cm-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-ornate-room-cm-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-ornate-room-cm-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/chats-ornate-room-cm.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a great gossipy section alive with stories of intrigue, that looks at the writing and relationships of Caroline Lamb and her affair with Byron. It’s her who is thought to have described Byron as ‘mad, bad, and dangerous to know.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Derbyshire-south-facade-credit-Chatsworth-House-Trust-1024x683.jpg" alt="chatsworth house in summer" class="wp-image-17271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Derbyshire-south-facade-credit-Chatsworth-House-Trust-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Derbyshire-south-facade-credit-Chatsworth-House-Trust-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Derbyshire-south-facade-credit-Chatsworth-House-Trust-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Chatsworth-Derbyshire-south-facade-credit-Chatsworth-House-Trust.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / Chatsworth House Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>Like to get hands on? There’s a sensational season of <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events, workshops, and talks</a> linked to the exhibition and perfectly suited to bibliophiles. Try your hand at bookbinding (Sat 26 April, 9-10 May, or Sat 12 Sept), create your own your own Ex Libris book stamp (Sat 2 May), or a sculptural book art workshop (Sat 11 July).</p>



<p>Beyond the house and gardens, there are acres of amazing Peak District walks to enjoy across the wider estate, through Stand Wood, and beyond. If you&#8217;re making a weekend of it, <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-cavendish-hotel-baslow-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cavendish Hotel</a> on the edge of Chatsworth Estate (and just a short walk from the house) and makes for a soft, sumptuous landing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Bibliophiles, bookworms, lovers of literature. If literature lures you in you’ll find fascinating history, intriguing stories, and drop-dead gorgeous volumes to pore over. &nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Don’t know your Brontë from your Byron? Come for the jaw-dropping house, gardens and awesome adventure playground, but you might find the exhibition doesn&#8217;t grab you by the throat. Yes, it&#8217;s designed to spark a desire get reading again but, if I&#8217;m honest, magpies will probably move on.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> <em><a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/house-of-stories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">House of Stories, Tales from the Chatsworth Library</a> </em>opens to the public on<strong> Sat 21 March </strong>and runs until 4 October 2026. Included with tickets to Chatsworth House (from £28).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<p><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/travel-guide-peak-district/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insider guide to the Peak District</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/property/property-flirt-bridgerton-inspired-homes-to-swoon-over/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Property flirt! Bridgerton-inspired homes to swoon over</a></p>



<p><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/10-brilliant-days-out-to-book-in-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A well-cultured year: 10 brilliant days out in 2026</a></p>


First look: House of Stories, Tales from the Chatsworth Library

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