Event details
Thursday 30 April
Thursday 25 June
Thursday 24 September
4pm to 5pm
Price: £25 per person
Join Head of Archive and Library, Fran Baker, on a special tour of this year’s exhibition - House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library.
The Devonshire family have been passionate readers, collectors, and champions of literature since the 17th century. Through seventeen generations, they have assembled one of Britain’s most important private book collections, preserving rare first editions, exquisitely decorated books, and personally annotated volumes, with works of fiction, poetry, and drama playing a key part in this remarkable collection.
This is the first time that Chatsworth is showcasing some of the most treasured literary works from the Chatsworth Library shelves.
Fran will offer a guided tour of the exhibition, taking a deep dive into some of the rare books, manuscripts and letters on display in the collection.
Meeting point
Please meet at the north entrance gates at 3.50pm.
Accessibility
This event takes place in Chatsworth House. The event will involved periods of standing and walking, along with stairs. A lift is available. Please contact [email protected] if you have any mobility concerns or questions about access.
The event does not include house or garden tickets – if you would like to explore the house and garden at your own pace before the tour, please purchase a ticket here.
You may also like...
The History of Chatsworth
Chatsworth has been home to the Devonshire family for nearly 500 years.
Cardinal Consalvi and the Devonshire Connection
20 February 2026
Delve into the connection between Chatsworth and the art world of 19th Century Rome in this expert-led talk.
Discovering Lace
13 February 2026
Explore examples of historic lace preserved in the Devonshire Collections, and learn about its creation.
An Introduction to Chatsworth in Seven Objects
12 May, 8 July & 14 October 2026
Devonshire Collection Curator Katherine Hardwick-Kulpa, selects seven significant objects from the Devonshire Collections that provide fascinating insight into Chatsworth's 500 year history.
Curator Tour: House of Stories
30 April, 25 June & 24 September
Join a guided tour of House of Stories led by exhibition curator Fran Baker.
Chatsworth's Botanical Treasures - Archives Session
19 May & 11 September
Delve into our archives and read the letters between the 6th Duke and Joseph Paxton, revealing the background to the transformation of the Chatsworth Garden.
Stay With Us
With miles of walks on the estate and in the national park, as well as centuries of heritage, art and design to explore, Chatsworth and the Peak District are a dream destination for an unforgettable escape. Find a stay with us in a hotel, inn, cottage, or shepherd’s hut here.
