When it became known that Czar Nicholas, Emperor of Russia, might visit Chatsworth the following year, 1844, the idea of welcoming the Czar with an even higher fountain than the one at Peterhof (the Czar’s palace in N.E. Russia), appealed to the Duke. Unfortunately the Czar never visited Chatsworth, but the new fountain was still named after him. It is on record as having reached the height of 90m (300ft). It is powered by the pressure of water dropping 122m, through a 40cm iron pipe.
In 2014 we had two new nozzles made for the fountain. One is the same diameter as the original nozzle and the other is marginally narrower with the aim of creating a taller column of water similar to the one Paxton must have achieved. The more narrow nozzle, in addition to a new debris grid at Emperor Lake (which supplies the water for the fountain), ensures that there is the maximum flow of water possible and this has allowed us to achieve a height of 60m (200ft).
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.
The Case
The Case acts as a protective cover for the tender plants grown here. Originally called the Conservative Wall, it was designed by Joseph Paxton in 1838.
Coal Hole and Tunnel
Horse-drawn carts brought coal from the railway station at Rowsley, entered the garden above the stables, and took the track that went under the Cascade and on to the Coal Hole.
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.
