Event details
Friday 24 July 2026
11.30am - 12.30pm | £15
The Burlington Room at Chatsworth Stables
Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle, was one of the most prolific women writers of the 17th century. She published poetry about atoms, scientific and philosophical treatises, and even an early work of science fiction. She was also the first woman to be invited to witness experiments at the Royal Society.
Join Dr Charlotte Newcombe as she introduces Cavendish and explores her vibrant combination of literature and science, and answers questions such as:
Who was this Duchess who was pursued around London by those wishing to catch just a glimpse of her?
What was her connection to Chatsworth and the Devonshire family?
And can a whole microscopic world really be found in lady’s earring?
About Dr Charlotte Newcombe
Dr Charlotte Newcombe is a scholar of early modern literature who completed her PhD at the University of York in 2025.
She has published work on early modern women’s writing and is a researcher of poetry, materiality, and intellectual culture.
Ticket information
Your ticket includes free parking for one vehicle on the day of the talk.
Meeting point and time
Please make your way to The Burlington Room, off the Stables Courtyard.
Doors will open at 11.00am for a prompt start at 11.30am.
Refreshments
Tea and coffee will be available at the start of the session.
Accessibility
The Burlington Room is a step-free, accessible venue. Accessible toilet facilities are available within The Carriage House Café next door.
If you have any questions about your specific needs or require a carer ticket, please contact [email protected]
Chatsworth Supporters
Chatsworth Friends and Patrons benefit from 10% off tickets to this event. Simply enter your membership number and email address when you book online.
Not yet a member? Learn more about the benefits of membership and how you can support the Chatsworth House Trust charity.
You may also like...
Talk: The Literary-Scientific World of Margaret Cavendish
Friday 24 July | 11.30am
Dr Charlotte Newcombe introduces Margaret Cavendish, one of the most prolific women writers of the 17th Century, and explores her connection to Chatsworth and the Devonshires.
Talk: Staff Stories 1850-1920
Friday 31 July | 11.30am
Learn more about the lives of staff working from the Devonshires in the 19th and early 20th century, as told by textiles and archival materials preserved in the Devonshire Collections by Chatsworth House Trust.
Includes complimentary garden entry.
Talk: Sustainable Beauty - Chatsworth's Ornamental Garden
Friday 7 August 2026 | 11.30am
Discover the careful management and natural processes adopted by the Chatsworth Garden team to build a sustainable and resilient landscape.
Includes complimentary garden entry.
Talk: Caroline Norton's Papers at Chatsworth
Friday 14 August 2026 | 11.30am
Join Fran Baker, Head of Archives and Library, to discover more about the life of author, editor and campaigner, Caroline Norton, and the key themes held in unpublished letters, preserved by Chatsworth House Trust in the Devonshire Collections.
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.
