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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Chatsworth
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(14km/9m W of Chesterfield) One of the greatest of Britain's stately homes, seat of the dukes of Devonshire. It was built for the 1st duke in 1686–1707 on the site of an earlier house, the main design being by William Talman (1650–1719). Changes in the surroundings were made for the 4th duke by James Paine (1717–89), who built the very stately stable block and the bridge, an important feature in Capability *Brown's design of the park. Finally the house itself was greatly extended for the 6th duke in the 1820s by *Wyatville.
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In the grounds the famous Cascade, with water tumbling down a long succession of steps, survives from the formal garden laid out for the 1st duke, as does the Sea Horse Fountain. The other great water feature, the *Emperor Fountain, was devised in the 19C by the most famous of Chatsworth's gardeners, Joseph *Paxton. He also built here in 1836–40 (well before the *Crystal Palace) the Great Conservatory (91m/300ft long) which was demolished in 1920.
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