The Coal Hole to the north-east of the Great Conservatory is out of sight of the main path through the Rockery. Once the coal reached the coal hole, it was taken in small wagons along the underground railway.
Although the exit to the Coal Tunnel was always open there was a blockage further up the tunnel. In 2002, filming at Chatsworth encouraged an exploratory dig to assess the blockage. Clearing of the Coal Tunnel and Coal Hole revealed that it had been filled in with rubbish including plants and pots from when the Great Conservatory was destroyed. After the tunnel was excavated, the tracks were removed and handrails and lighting were installed. The Coal Hole and Tunnel was opened to visitors in 2003.
Discover more from the 6th Duke and Paxton's garden
Arboretum and Trout Stream
The Arboretum, started in 1835, was one of Paxton’s greatest contributions to the Chatsworth landscape; a systematic succession of trees in accordance with botanical classification.
Emperor Fountain
Although the Great Fountain, installed by the 1st Duke, was the highest in this country, the 6th Duke put Paxton’s engineering skills into action to create a new record-breaking gravity-fed fountain.
Great Conservatory
Paxton’s Great Conservatory took four years to build and was completed in 1840.
Pinetum
The Pinetum was created between 1830 and 1831, established from eight acres added to the garden from the south park (The Old Park). Here, the 6th Duke and Paxton indulged their passion for collecting on a grand scale.
Rock Garden and Strid
The Rock Garden was built as a reminder of the 6th Duke’s visit to the Alps during the Grand Tour of Europe. Work began in 1842 and the stone was brought from Dobb Edge, north of Stand Wood.
Vinery
Built circa 1834, this is the sole survivor of three glasshouses constructed specifically for orchids by Joseph Paxton. It contained the 6th Duke’s superb collection, gathered from all over the world.
Discover the History of the Early Garden
The house and garden were first constructed by Sir William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick in 1555. The Elizabethan garden was much smaller than the modern garden is now.
Learn about the Modern Garden
In the last 100 years, many of the historic features of the garden have been restored and numerous important new features have been added.
