16th century
The history of Chatsworth begins with Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury, better known as Bess of Hardwick.
17th century
The 17th century saw the Cavendish family rise in the peerage from earls to dukes, and the 1st Duke of Devonshire began constructing his new Chatsworth House.
18th century
In the 18th century, Lancelot Brown landscaped the estate and the 5th Duke married Lady Georgiana Spencer.
19th century
Chatsworth House underwent dramatic changes during the 19th century with the addition of the North Wing, turning it into the house we see today.
20th century
The defining moment of Chatsworth in the 20th century was the opening of the estate to the general public under the 11th Duke and his wife Duchess Deborah.
21st century
The Cavendish family continue to care for Chatsworth and are always looking for new ways to share their history and the estate with their visitors.
Further information
If you would like to learn more about Chatsworth, the Cavendish family or the Devonshire Collection, we have compiled a list of further reading.
You can also find out more about the various properties and estates that have been owned by the Dukes of Devonshire on our Devonshire Properties Timeline.
For information about servants and staff who have worked for the Cavendish family in past centuries, visit our Historic Servants and Staff database.
You may also be interested in learning about the history of the garden.
