Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire 1787

Chatsworth house was the home of Georgiana recently brought back to life by the film The Duchess, played by Keira Knightley. The film, directed by Saul Dib depicts her marital arrangements, her beauty and sense of style, and her political campaigning. But she is also famous for her love of gambling. She was reported to have died deeply in debt, even though her own family, the Spencers, and her husband's family, the Cavendishes, were immensely wealthy. She died on 30 March 1806, aged 48, from what was thought to be an abscess of the liver; she was buried at All Saints Church, Derby, England.

During her years in the public eye, Georgiana was painted by Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. Gainsborough's famous painting of her in a large French hat was lost for many years. It had been stolen from a London art gallery by Adam Worth then somehow restored to Agnew's Art Gallery by Allan Pinkerton of the American detective agency Pinkerton's. It turned up again at Sotheby's a decade ago and was purchased by Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire for the Chatsworth collection. Georgiana managed to keep a “natural relationship” with the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette; the similarity of the lives they led is often observed.

Another well-known woman from the same family as Georgiana was Diana, Princess of Wales (born Lady Diana Spencer), who was descended from Georgiana's brother, the 2nd Earl Spencer.

Also at Chatsworth you can:

• Attend the Tudor Festival weekend
• Book online to visit the house in May and you will receive a free house guidebook
• Gain a fresh insight into Chatsworth, its collection and history by taking a behind the scenes tour
• Take a stroll through the magnificent parkland grounds, picnic by the river and visit the garden centre or Chatsworth's own Farm Shop

Chatsworth House is a short car journey from Darwin Lake and an ideal excursion for anyone staying at Darwin Lake and will make a day to remember.

If you book your break online (You'll get A 20% DISCOUNT), You could also email us or call 01629 735859 to speak to our friendly staff.

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