Event Details
Thursday 30 April - sorry, sold out
Thursday 25 June - sorry, sold out
New date just added: Thursday 16 July
New date just added: Thursday 3 September
Thursday 24 September - sorry, sold out
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...
Curator Tour: House of Stories
25 June & 24 September 2026
Join a guided tour of House of Stories led by exhibition curator Fran Baker.
An Introduction to Chatsworth in Seven Objects
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.
Talk: The Literary-Scientific World of Margaret Cavendish
24 July 2026
The 17th century's most prolific female writer is brought to life in this illustrated talk by Dr Charlotte Newcombe.
Talk: Working Lives at Chatsworth 1850-1920
31 July 2026
Discover the stories of staff working for the Devonshire family between 1850 and 1920 as told through textiles and archival material preserved in the Devonshire Collections.
Talk: Caroline Norton's Papers at Chatsworth
14 August 2026
Learn more about the life of author, editor and campaigner for the rights of married women, Caroline Norton, in this talk with Fran Baker, head of Archive and Library.
Textile Tours
18 August & 13 October
Join our expert Textiles team for an overview of ongoing remedial and preventative conservation of the collection both on route and behind the scenes.
Chatsworth's Botanical Treasures - Archives Session
11 September 2026
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.