From 21 March to 4 October, visitors can explore House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library, a new exhibition bringing together some of the most significant items from the Chatsworth Library and archive for the first time.
Presented in celebration of the National Year of Reading, a UK wide campaign to encourage reading in everyday life, House of Stories takes audiences into the tales surrounding our great works of literature, animated through first editions, original manuscripts, letters, scrapbooks, and drawings that connect literary and artistic lineages.
The exhibition and accompanying programme demonstrate Chatsworth House Trust’s commitment to sharing the extraordinary cultural resources of the house, collections and gardens, as widely as possible.
Libraries are innately revealing of their readers, and this exhibition unearths great revelations not only about the literary heritage of the Devonshire family, documenting their different tastes and reading habits, but also that of the nation, as Chatsworth has found itself time and again connected to some of the UK’s greatest literary moments. House of Stories invites visitors to piece together these pivotal moments in literary history and uncover new inspiration from within one of the nation’s most remarkable libraries.
Highlights from the exhibition include a first edition of Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe believed to be part of Duchess Georgiana’s collection (1757-1806) and read by her 16 year old sister Harriet, an edition of Paradise Lost, read by multiple generations, alongside historic works such as Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales and a complete manuscript of Ben Johnson’s spectacular masque, Pleasure Reconciled to Virtue, performed for James I at court in 1618.
The exhibition also explores the Devonshire family’s own creative writing, from Duchess Georgiana’s poetry and plays, most of which were unpublished in her lifetime, to the tradition started by the 6th Duke of documenting the legacy and history of Chatsworth, a custom that continued into recent history with published works by Duchess Deborah providing essential reading for those interested in the house, garden and wider estate.
William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire, lived during an unparalleled period of the UK’s literary history. The exhibition showcases his friendship with Charles Dickens, documented through letters; an ambivalent admiration for Lord Byron, whose path he crossed on occasion; and a literary acquaintance with Elizabeth Gaskell, who sent him a gift: a letter from Charlotte Brontë. These treasures are mirrored in the exhibition by those from the 21st century, as the 11th Duke and Duchess celebrated many notable literary figures and collected contemporary works.
Chatsworth’s celebration of great writing and the joy of reading can be further explored through a varied programme of events, highlights of which will be the return to Chatsworth of the Celebrating Jane Austen Regency Festival in June and new works that will be commissioned during the course of the exhibition.
"For five centuries, Chatsworth has been a home for literary inspiration. Today, the Chatsworth House Trust charity cares for these works of national significance, and it is a great pleasure to share these treasures from the Chatsworth Library. We hope that the exhibition, in conjunction with our diverse programme of related events, activities and partnerships, inspires our visitors and will leave a lasting legacy as part of the National Year of Reading."
Jane Marriott, Director, Chatsworth House Trust
"We are delighted to support literary understanding and enjoyment in the UK by presenting this unparalleled collection of first and early editions, along with their contextual materials, together for the first time. From one of the nation's most important libraries, visitors can look forward to seeing intricately illuminated volumes from centuries past alongside personal letters from the height of 19th century literature."
Louise Shannon, Head of Collections and Cultural Programme, Chatsworth House Trust
About the exhibition
House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library runs from 21 March to 4 October 2026.
Artefacts, artworks, and furniture connected to the exhibition are on display throughout the house at various points on the visitor route.
Access to the exhibition is included with all house and garden tickets; you do not need a separate ticket.
House of Stories is supported by Sotheby’s, Chatsworth’s Arts and Exhibitions Partner.
Some of the highlights of the exhibition
A Handbook of Chatsworth and Hardwick, 6th Duke of Devonshire
Written by the 6th Duke, and later bound and illustrated by Lady Louisa Egerton, daughter of the 7th Duke, this is a valuable historical record of Chatsworth and the collection in the mid-19th century.
'To Myself...' an unpublished poem by Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire
One of a collection of unpublished writings by Duchess Georgiana discovered in the archive, this poem reveals how she felt about 'fame', and the fickleness of society.
Letter and sketch to the 6th Duke from William Thackeray
Delightful, and gossipy in tone, this letter from author William Thackeray to the 6th Duke provides a preview of how his novel, Vanity Fair, will end.
6th Duke's Guild of Literature and Art Scrapbook, relating to Charles Dickens
This scrapbook of invitations, letters, press clippings, and other materials was collated by the 6th Duke and marks the start of a friendship with the author, Charles Dickens.
